Navy to test microwave weapon on vessel by the end of 2026: report

The United States Navy hopes to test out an onboard microwave weapon by the end of 2026 on one of its vessels. 

The prototype would be known as the METEOR and it would be used to counter targets such as drones, according to The Defense Post.

“The METEOR HPM weapon development will provide capability with low cost-per-shot, deep magazine, tactically significant range, short time engagement for multi-target approach, dual deception and defeat capability,” Navy budget documents say, according to the outlet. 

The METEOR would be a microwave-based counter-air defense system with a goal to be able to track down threats.

Other branches of the U.S. military such as the Army and Air Force have been working on similar projects.