The US Army has awarded ThinKom Solutions a contract valued at up to $49 million to develop and test a mobile high-power microwave system designed to counter small drones.
The agreement covers the potential development of up to four Alecto prototypes, with initial funding allocated for the first system and field testing planned for 2027.
ThinKom will integrate the microwave effector with Army-designated sensors, fire-control systems, and a mobile platform, after which government teams will conduct system integration, testing, and evaluation.
The program is being overseen by the US Army’s Program Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Effects under the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires.
The trial results will help the Army determine whether mobile directed-energy weapons can provide an effective and practical non-kinetic solution against the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft.
Countering Drones With Microwave Energy
Alecto is designed to disrupt or disable Group 1 and Group 2 drones using high-power microwave energy.
The system combines high-power vacuum electronics with ThinKom’s Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub antenna technology. According to the company, the mechanically steered antenna can focus microwave energy on a target while reducing energy exposure outside the intended engagement area.
ThinKom said the system offers rapid beam steering, sustained engagement capability, and a relatively low cost per operation.
These features could allow Alecto to engage both individual drones and larger swarms while reducing dependence on costly missiles and other conventional interceptors.
The system is designed for integration onto various vehicle platforms, including Infantry Squad Vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.
Its proposed fire-on-the-move capability would enable operators to engage aerial threats while the host platform remains in motion. The system would be operated through a tablet-based interface and is also designed to integrate with existing command-and-control networks.
