The United States and Japan are set to develop technology to neutralize drones that infringe on their territories using electromagnetic waves.
According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on Monday, the US and Japanese governments have decided to embark on joint research to utilize high-output microwaves in defense equipment. According to Yomiuri, defense agencies under the Japanese Defense Ministry and other US-Japanese-related agencies plan to agree on the joint development of relevant technology soon to acquire the ability to neutralize drones that infringe on their territories.
Microwaves, a type of electromagnetic wave used in microwave machines, can damage the internal electronic components of a drone when fired toward it. It can conduct extensive irradiation much cheaper than ammunition or missiles, making them effective against attacks using many small drones. According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, they can also respond to autonomous drones without radio control.
The Japanese Defense Ministry is paying attention to the microwave weapon, which could be a game changer that can overturn the power balance instantly once it is deployed.
Quoting a related official from the Japanese Defense Equipment Agency, Yomiuri reported that the Japanese government has been researching the technology for several years and is adjusting the joint research period to about three years to lead US-Japanese joint research into specific gear development.
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