Pentagon Eyes EMP to Thwart Drone Swarms

The Pentagon is eyeing the use of electromagnetic pulse weapons to thwart drone or unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.

The Air Force is asking industry leaders if such a weapon system can be built, or already exists, to take out small drones or unmanned aircraft vehicles.

According to Sam.gov, a description for one government contract mentions that "the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RI) is conducting market research to seek information from industry on the landscape of research and development (R&D) for available Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) solutions towards countering multiple Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)."

While the contract calls for how an EMP can be used in a defensive capacity against drones, according to a report by the Washington Examiner on Monday, several U.S. adversaries already have an offensive EMP attack plan.

These plans rely on nuclear explosions in the atmosphere targeting electric grids. In response to this, under the direction of former President Donald Trump, the U.S. began a program to harden grids on some military bases against such an attack.

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