Rafael’s HPM Microwave Weapons Aim To Stop Drone Swarms

High power microwave weapons are becoming a major focus in modern defense, as reported by Baong Heang. These systems use strong electromagnetic pulses to shut down drones in the air. They do not rely on direct hits. They simply overload the electronics.

At the UVID Dronetech 2025 event in Tel Aviv, Rafael leaders said HPM weapons technology is reaching a new level. They called it the next big step after lasers entered real combat.

The goal is simple. Stop many incoming drones at once. Reduce the use of costly missiles. And prepare for swarm style attacks that are getting more common.

How HPM Works And How It Compares To Lasers

Missiles or lasers usually stop one drone at a time. HPM weapons is different. It sends a burst of energy across a wide area, and can disable several drones at once. That makes it effective against swarm attacks that can overwhelm normal defenses.

Lasers still matter. Rafael’s Iron Beam burns through a drone or rocket with high accuracy. A laser is great for a single high value target. HPM weapons are great for a group of cheap drones.

Together they create a layered shield. HPM clears the sky. Lasers remove what is left. This lowers the number of interceptor missiles needed. It also lowers the total cost of defense.

HPM uses an energy pulse that kills electronics. Lasers use a focused beam that burns the target. HPM is best for many drones at once. Lasers work best for precise hits on one target.

HPM covers a wider zone. Lasers fire in a straight and narrow line.

Global Race To Develop HPM

Several countries are racing to build working HPM systems. The United States has HPM systems like Epirus Leonidas and the Pentagon is speeding up its research. Meanwhile Europe is working on programs such as ThunderShield from Thales.

Also Japan has been researching HPM for more than ten years! This year alone they put the equivalent of about five million dollars into the projects.

Israel is combining HPM work with its ongoing Iron Beam laser program. It wants a strong mix of microwave power and laser precision. And the reason is clear: a cheap drone can cost two thousand dollars.

A missile to shoot it down can cost two million dollars. This is not sustainable in long battles, unless you want to burn cash. Right now countries want systems that can stop drone swarms without draining their missile stockpiles.

DroneXL’s Take

HPM weapons are moving fast from lab ideas to real tools. Swarm attacks are not rare anymore. Defenders need systems that can knock out many drones with one shot. Lasers and HPM together may be the first real answer. These systems also point to a future where drones keep getting cheaper and air defenses must react even faster. For the drone world, this tech race is only getting started.

Photo credit: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems