In the realm of modern warfare, where adversaries seek cost-effective means to undermine defense systems, the evolution of weaponry becomes paramount. Recent strides in microwave technology, particularly exemplified by Raytheon's CHIMERA (Counter-Electronics High Power Microwave Advanced Missile Project), signify a significant advancement in the arsenal against low-cost aerial threats, including kamikaze drones.
Successfully demonstrating its capability to track and neutralize targets, CHIMERA represents a pivotal development in cost-effective point-defense solutions. Reports from Defense One highlight its ability to track both static and aerial targets, marking a crucial step towards a defense mechanism capable of countering incoming threats, such as missiles or drones, and disrupting their electronics.
The importance of directed energy weapons (DEWs) like CHIMERA lies not only in their effectiveness but also in their potential cost-savings for defense operations. With conventional methods often proving exorbitant – such as the multi-million dollar Standard Missile-2s used by the US Navy to intercept drones costing as little as $2,000 per unit – the need for more economical solutions is apparent.
Raytheon's plans to deliver additional prototypes in the coming years aim to address current limitations and enhance the efficacy of high-powered microwave weapons. Specifically, CHIMERA is anticipated to provide a viable defense against threats like Iran's Shahed-136 drones, which have posed challenges in recent confrontations.
The urgency for such advancements in defense technology is underscored by recent attacks against US assets, highlighting the vulnerability to unconventional forms of warfare. As per Asia Times, challenges persist in the adoption of laser and microwave weapons aboard naval platforms, ranging from technological maturity to supply chain dependencies.
A comparative analysis by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) sheds light on the differences between laser and high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. While lasers target physical components directly, HPM weapons overwhelm critical electronics, offering distinct advantages in engagement range and efficiency.
Kevin Cogley, in a publication for the US Naval Sea Systems Command, emphasizes the graduated effects of HPM weapons, from electronic jamming to physical destruction, with minimal visible damage to targets. This scalability and stealthiness make HPM weapons an attractive option for modern warfare scenarios. However, challenges remain, as noted by Anatoly Belous and Vitali Saladukha, including limited efficiency and range within the atmosphere. Despite these drawbacks, advancements like the US High-Powered Joint Electromagnetic Non-Kinetic Strike (HIJENKS) weapon signify progress in overcoming obstacles through miniaturization and technological innovation.
HIJENKS, with its HPM warhead, presents a promising solution for neutralizing electronic targets and penetrating hardened facilities. Yet, it's acknowledged that such weapons may not be universally effective, particularly against adversaries with antiquated or well-protected systems like North Korea. Raytheon's CHIMERA and advancements in microwave weaponry represent significant strides towards countering evolving threats in modern warfare. While challenges persist, ongoing research and development efforts promise to enhance the effectiveness and applicability of directed energy weapons, ushering in a new era of defense capabilities.
