Raytheon Missiles & Defense has successfully defeated a swarm of drones with its reusable Coyote Block 3 non-kinetic effector during a U.S. Army test. Derived from the expendable Coyote loitering munition, the Block 3 utilizes a non-kinetic warhead to neutralize enemy drones, reducing potential collateral damage.
This non-kinetic variant of the Coyote system can be recovered, refurbished and reused without leaving the battlefield, providing significant cost savings. Following this successful test, the Coyote Block 3 is now closer to deployment.
During the test, the Coyote engaged and defeated a swarm of 10 drones that differed in size, complexity, maneuverability and range. It achieved several significant firsts for counter-drone technology, including:
- Air-to-air non-kinetic defeats
- Survivability, recovery, refurbishment and reuse during the same test event
- Successful launch from the Coyote Block 2 system
- Extended range engagements, communication and KuRFS radar track
Tom Laliberty, vice president of Land Warfare & Air Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, commented: “This test demonstrates the effectiveness of Coyote to counter complex unmanned aircraft systems. As a non-kinetic variant, we’re offering an effective weapon against the threat and value to the Army in the form of an affordable, reusable asset.”
