High-Power Microwave Technology Could Neutralize Drone Swarms in Seconds Industrialist Anand Mahindra has highlighted a breakthrough in defense technology—a High-Power Microwave (HPM) system capable of disabling hundreds of drones with a single pulse. This innovation, which he described as a game-changer for modern warfare, addresses the growing threat of drone swarms by targeting a volume of space rather than individual units. Mahindra emphasized that such systems offer a critical advantage over traditional laser-based defenses, which require precise tracking of each drone. The technology works by emitting a focused microwave pulse that disrupts the electronic systems of multiple drones simultaneously. Mahindra’s example illustrated how HPM systems differ from lasers: instead of engaging one target at a time, they neutralize multiple drones within a defined area. This capability is particularly relevant in scenarios where adversaries deploy large numbers of low-cost, kamikaze-style drones. Mahindra pointed to the cost imbalance in modern conflicts as a key issue. He noted that while drones are relatively inexpensive to produce, their interception requires costly and resource-intensive measures. “Recent conflicts highlight a brutal reality: cheap kamikaze drones cost a fraction of the interceptors sent to destroy them,” he stated. This dynamic creates a situation where defenders must spend significantly more to counter relatively cheap attacks. He added, “The aggressor doesn’t need to win. He just needs to keep the math working in his favour.” The implications of this technology extend beyond military applications. Mahindra stressed the importance of India developing indigenous HPM and laser capabilities to avoid reliance on imports. “Importing solutions reactively isn’t a strategy,” he cautioned.#india #russia_ukraine_war #anand_mahindra #high_power_microwave #drone_swarm
