Science

Military Tests Directed-Energy Weapons

Updated 2026-09-15 11:40 UTC 1 source Neutral

The Pentagon is testing lasers and microwaves against drone swarms, marking a significant step in the development of directed-energy weapons for military use.

Coverage timeline — 2 articles

Scientific American

Readers respond to the May 2026 issue

Letters to the editors for the May 2026 issue of Scientific American

2026-09-15 10:00 UTC

Scientific American

The Pentagon tests lasers and microwaves against drone swarms

After decades of hype, directed-energy weapons may offer the U.S. military a cheaper answer to the expensive problem of stopping drones

2026-09-15 10:00 UTC