BAE Systems unveils microwave weapon to zap drone swarms

At AUSA 2026 BAE Systems presented its High Power Microwave system, which uses electromagnetic energy against drone swarms, and the MDACS artillery platform firing precision-guided projectiles. The HPM system uses over 99% commercial off-the-shelf components and has reached Technology Readiness Level 6.

• HPM engages drone swarms without ammunition as long as power lasts
• Over 99% of HPM components are commercial; four deployment configurations
• MDACS fires HVP at aerial and Scorpio-XR at ground targets
• Scorpio-XR doubles the range of 155 mm precision-guided projectiles