Raytheon demonstrated a powerful new way to defeat drone swarms without using explosives.
During a recent US Army test, the company’s Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) effector successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple drones at once.
The system showed it can disable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) without causing explosions. This non-kinetic approach reduces the risk of collateral damage and allows the effector to be reused or redirected for additional threats.
This is a step forward in counter-drone technology as militaries around the world face growing threats from drone swarms.
Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 NK system is designed to defeat small, slow, and low-flying drones. When traditional kinetic systems destroy targets with missiles or explosives, the non-kinetic variant disrupts or disables drones without detonation.
During the test, the Coyote system simultaneously engaged multiple drones. Officials said the system proved its ability to handle swarm attacks, which involve several drones flying together to overwhelm defenses.
The ability to neutralize several targets at once is not a cakewalk. Drone swarms are used in modern conflicts because they are difficult to track. It can also carry explosives, surveillance tools, or electronic warfare payloads.
The Coyote system is developed by Raytheon, a leading US defense contractor and a division of RTX. The demonstration was conducted under the US Army’s Low, Slow, Small-UAS Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) program.
Raytheon recently secured its largest contract to date under this program. The contract covers Coyote counter-drone systems and related sensors.
Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, emphasized the system’s value.
“Coyote provides warfighters a cost-effective defense for individual drones and swarms,” Laliberty said. “We continue to invest in Coyote’s combat-proven capabilities, ensuring that allies around the globe gain an affordable operational advantage over sophisticated and evolving drone threats.”
The company has increased production of its kinetic Coyote variant to meet rising demand. It has also introduced performance upgrades to improve speed, range, and launch time.
The rapid rise of drone warfare has changed the battlefield. Small and affordable drones can now carry surveillance equipment or explosives. Swarm tactics make them even more dangerous.
Traditional air defense systems are often expensive and not designed to handle small, low-cost drones. This creates a need for cost-effective counter-drone systems.
Raytheon’s Coyote offers both kinetic and non-kinetic options. The kinetic version physically destroys targets. The non-kinetic variant disables them without explosive force. This flexibility allows military forces to respond based on the situation.
The upgraded system can reportedly reach higher altitudes and longer ranges than comparable counter-UAS platforms. It is also designed to intercept drones carrying larger payloads.
By combining improved speed, reach, and non-explosive engagement methods, the Coyote system strengthens layered air defense strategies.
In the era of drone technology in defense systems, Raytheon’s latest demonstration shows that non-kinetic counter-drone solutions are becoming an important tool in modern warfare. The Coyote Block 3 NK system positioned Raytheon as a key player in the expanding counter-UAS market.
