The key milestones achieved were the completion of both New Equipment Training (NET) and Engineering Developmental Testing (EDT).
Putting the IFPC-HPM Systems to the Test
The EDT pushed the IFPC-HPM systems to their limits. Engineers assessed their effectiveness against drones and drone swarms, utilizing increasingly complex flight patterns to simulate real-world scenarios.
The data collected during these tests will be crucial for the Army Test and Evaluation Command and the Department of Defense.
It will inform future programs, budgets, and, ultimately, the operational deployment of these microwave defense systems.
Epirus CEO Andy Lowery expressed his enthusiasm for the results:
“We were able to demonstrate effects that we haven’t done in this close to a real-world environment, including coordinated fires for additional range and advanced waveforms for greater effectivity.”
Lowery further emphasized that their evaluations of various systems within a larger framework have clarified their capabilities, limitations, and requirements.
Crucially, he confirmed the effectiveness of their High Power Microwave systems in countering drones and swarms, positioning them as a vital component of a multi-layered defense strategy.
Soldiers Prepared for the Future Battlefield
But the success goes beyond technical prowess, as soldier training is paramount.
The troops who will be wielding these futuristic weapons underwent comprehensive training (NET) in March, followed by participation in the EDT. This hands-on experience ensures a smooth transition when the IFPC-HPM systems are integrated into operational units.
The video below shows a representative from Epirus explaining what the company’s high-power microwave systems can offer for the Navy’s drone swarm threat last year.
The US Army’s embrace of high-powered microwave technology signifies a new era in drone warfare. This innovative weapon offers a powerful, non-kinetic solution that can effectively neutralize drone swarms, protecting soldiers and critical infrastructure from these ever-present threats.
As the technology matures and is deployed, the battlefield will undoubtedly transform, with microwave beams becoming a familiar sight alongside traditional weapons.
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