Watch US Army knock down drone swarms with Coyote UAV in test

The US Army recently demonstrated a significant advancement in drone defense by successfully testing Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 UAV at Yuma Proving Ground. Unlike traditional interceptor missiles that rely on explosive force and are costly to use, the Block 3 employs an invisible electromagnetic pulse—likely a High-Power Microwave or advanced Electronic Warfare system—to disable multiple hostile drones in a swarm without destroying itself. This reusable interceptor can detect, track, and electronically neutralize low-cost, small unmanned aerial threats, addressing the challenge posed by large drone swarms that can overwhelm conventional missile-based air defenses due to limited ammunition and high costs. The Coyote UAV has evolved from a reconnaissance platform to a sophisticated energy-based interceptor. While earlier versions used kinetic impact or explosives, the Block 3 replaces the warhead with an energy weapon that disrupts or disables enemy drones electronically, allowing the interceptor to be recovered, refurbished, and reused. This capability significantly reduces the cost per engagement and enhances operational endurance. The system integrates