The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to determine the availability and technical readiness of non-lethal directed energy technologies.
The USCG is interested in effectors that use high-power microwaves (HPM) to incapacitate electronic systems in the maritime environment. Targets of interest include uncrewed aerial systems as well as uncrewed surface vessels, personal watercraft and jet skis.
Systems must be capable of stopping a target with minimal or no damage to the vessel or its machinery, and cause no harm to any persons or marine animals in the area of effect of the effector.
“Information is specifically requested regarding physical dimensions of the effector: its weight, power requirements, cooling requirements, and rough order of magnitude for cost of acquisition and installation,” the RFI states. “Responses should also include frequency, bandwidth, waveform, output power, area of effect, and range information. Software load to include target profiles and targeting methods should be included as available.”
Responses are required by August 1, 2025.
For more information
Image: US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Avery Tibbets
