Poland's high-energy directed electromagnetic gun "instantly destroys" drones

Microwave weapons have demonstrated unique advantages and broad application prospects in anti-drone technology. Faced with the growing threat of drones, various countries are actively exploring a new generation of defense technologies that go beyond traditional kinetic energy interception.

Overview of Microwave Weapons
Microwave weapons refer to combat weapons equipped with High-Power Microwave (HPM) payloads, which can emit high-energy electromagnetic pulses. These pulses can enter the interior of drones through their antennas, gaps, etc., causing interference or damage to the drones' electronic equipment, thereby achieving the purpose of countering drones.

Technical Principles of Anti-Drone Technology
The technical principle of microwave weapons countering drones is mainly based on the physical process of interaction between microwaves and matter. When high-power microwaves act on drones, the following effects will occur:
1. Thermal effect: Microwave radiation will cause the temperature of electronic components inside the drone to rise rapidly, leading to thermal damage or burnout.
2. Electromagnetic effect: Microwaves will interfere with the electronic systems of the drone, causing signal distortion, equipment failure, or functional confusion.
3. Nonlinear effect: Under the action of high-power microwaves, electromagnetic pulses may be generated inside the drone, further damaging its electronic systems.

The Gdansk University of Technology in Poland has developed the STRATUS anti-drone system. It can emit high-energy electromagnetic pulses to disable the electronic devices of drones. Funded by the Polish National Research and Development Centre with over 5 million euros, the "Invisible Shield" provides a safer and more efficient protection option for key infrastructure such as airports and power stations, as well as large public events.

Technical positioning: A directed-energy anti-drone weapon that disables drone electronic devices through high-energy electromagnetic pulses.

Core technologies: High-Power Microwave (HPM) generator: Emits directed electromagnetic beams with extremely short pulses, which couple with drone circuits, causing overload, burnout, or functional failure of chips/wires. Non-kinetic damage: No explosive fragments, noise, or visible light, avoiding collateral damage.

Technical features: Instantaneity and certainty: Propagation at the speed of light, with irreversible damage, ensuring interception reliability. Concealment: Silent and lightless, capable of building an "invisible defense barrier".

Engineering challenges: Technical difficulties such as electromagnetic focusing, precise pointing, and avoiding accidental damage need to be addressed.

Research and development progress: The STRATUS system has completed principle verification tests in laboratories and controlled environments, initially confirming its technical feasibility. It has not yet entered the stage of field combat testing or military deployment. To transform the system from a technical prototype into a stable, reliable, and field-environment-adaptable combat equipment, a series of engineering challenges in system integration, environmental adaptability, electromagnetic compatibility, and operational safety still need to be solved.

Strategic impact: Technological innovation: Promoting the development of drones towards electromagnetic hardening and redundant design. Transformation of protection paradigm: Networking with radar/photoelectric sensors to achieve automated closed-loop defense. Geopolitical game: Poland demonstrates its independent capability in defense technology, which may affect the technical discourse power within NATO. Ethical controversy: The potential regional impact of electromagnetic pulses may trigger discussions on international norms.

Summary: Poland's STRATUS system represents a breakthrough in anti-drone technology towards "non-kinetic instantaneous damage". Its research, development, and application will profoundly affect the tactical layout of future urban warfare and key area air defense. In line with the trends of global research reports, directed-energy weapons, intelligent perception, and swarm countermeasures will become the core tracks in the future anti-drone field.