High-Performance Microwave Weapons (HPM): Countering UAV swarms, reducing reliance on missiles.
Officials in Rafael call HPM the "holy grail" of C-UAS, capable of neutralizing multiple UAVs simultaneously, making it suitable for countering swarm attacks. The US, Europe, and Asia are all accelerating its development; Israel is combining HPM with the Iron Beam laser to reduce its reliance on interceptor missiles.
High-power microwave weapons (HPMs) are emerging as the next generation of anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAS) technology, aiming to effectively counter swarm attacks. According to Yossi Margalit of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, HPMs are the "holy grail" in UAS interception due to their ability to neutralize multiple targets simultaneously, reducing reliance on expensive interceptor missiles.
Overview
Speaking on the sidelines of the UVID Dronetech 2025 event in Tel Aviv on November 26, Yossi Margalit, Vice President and Director of C-UAS & Low-Altitude Missile Defense Systems at Rafael, stated that HPM represents a “new level” of C-UAS with “unprecedented capabilities,” following the entry of laser technology into combat. According to him, current C-UAS technology includes “soft” neutralization solutions based on electronic warfare, “hard” destruction measures, and directed energy such as lasers or microwaves.
The impetus for HPM stems from the reality of interception costs. During the 12-day war with Iran (Israel calls it Operation Lion Rises), over 1,000 UAVs were launched, and most were intercepted, but a UAV costing around $2,000 could force a missile defense system to use missiles costing up to $2 million – a cost considered unsustainable in the long run.
Technical analysis
Unlike missiles or lasers, which deal with individual targets, HPM emits powerful electromagnetic pulses to disable electronic components, allowing for the simultaneous neutralization of multiple UAVs. Its wide-area impact makes HPM suitable for swarm scenarios, where the sheer number of targets can overwhelm traditional air defense systems.
Meanwhile, lasers – such as the Iron Beam weapon developed by Rafael – are optimized for precise, low-cost interception by burning the structure of incoming UAVs, rockets, or mortar rounds. Lasers offer high accuracy, making them suitable for destroying single, high-value targets. Rafael and Elbit Systems have pioneered the development of lasers to complement HPM in countering UAS.
Comparison table of HPM and laser (based on source information)
| Characteristic | HPM | Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Electromagnetic energy pulses paralyze electrons. | Concentrated energy burns the target structure. |
| Optimal target type | Multiple UAVs simultaneously, in swarms. | A single objective has high value. |
| Scope of impact | Large area | Precise, point-to-point beam |
| Role in C-UAS architecture | Quickly disable a large number of devices, reduce system load. | Precise, low-cost interception for single targets. |
Defensive tactics and architecture
Combining HPM and lasers creates a mutually reinforcing defense against UAS: HPM handles large swarms of targets, while lasers provide precise targeting of individual targets. This layer-by-layer approach reduces reliance on expensive interceptor missiles and gives defense forces greater flexibility against diverse threats.
Mr. Margalit emphasized the need for “sophisticated solutions” commensurate with the threat, which is “even more sophisticated than missiles.” As the level of complexity increases, it is necessary to “play differently”—that is, to combine directed energy technologies and countermeasures tailored to each class of target.
Typical programs and systems
- US: HPM systems like Leonidas (Epirus) have shown operational potential; Pentagon accelerates research into HPM directed energy weapons.
- Europe: ThunderShield (Thales) is among the HPM solutions that are being promoted.
- Asia: The Japanese Ministry of Defense has been pursuing HPM for over a decade; this year alone, it has allocated 800 million yen (approximately $5.2 million) for its development. In January, the Agency for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics released concept images of an HPM radiation device currently under development.
- Israel continues to promote directed energy; Rafael develops Iron Beam laser to complement HPM in anti-UAV operations.
Impact and prospects
The proliferation of inexpensive, mass-produced UAVs poses an overwhelming challenge to traditional air defenses. High-performance weapon systems (HPMs), with their wide-area disabling capabilities, combined with Iron Beam lasers for precise interception, are shaping the next generation of C-UAS: controlling costs while meeting swarm intensity requirements. Programs in the US, Europe, Asia, and Israel demonstrate a consistent investment trend in HPM and lasers to counter the modern UAV threat.
Given that interception costs are a key factor, the synergy between HPM and lasers is expected to help defense forces maintain combat effectiveness against evolving UAV tactics, while avoiding over-reliance on expensive interceptor missiles.
