Pentagon selects 4 directed-energy C-UAS systems for US base pilot

The US DoD is fielding and operationally testing four directed-energy counter-drone systems (high-energy lasers and a high-power microwave) at multiple US bases under JIATF-401. The novelty is the first operational homeland pilot integrating specific DEW systems (palletized lasers and Epirus Leonidas HPM) to gather real-world performance, sustainment, and cost data for layered base defense, including swarm defeat via microwave bursts.