How THOR Can Disable Enemy Drones

The United States is a superpower that is keen to develop innovative military technology. One example is THOR, a system designed to counter enemy drones.

According to the Air Force Research Laboratory’s official website, THOR (Tactical High-power Microwave Operational Responder) is an electromagnetic weapon developed by the laboratory to protect airbases from groups of hostile drones.

The system won the What’s New in Defense award in 2021 and can disable multiple targets without using kinetic force. It uses high-power microwaves to produce a counter-electronic effect.

Once a target is identified, the silent weapon fires within nanoseconds, disabling it almost instantly. The system runs on electricity from a standard wall socket.

The entire system fits into a 20-foot shipping container, making it easy to transport by C-130 aircraft. It can be assembled and made ready for use in three hours, and its interface is designed to require minimal operator training.

With technology this advanced, the system is not inexpensive. Its development is estimated to have cost about US$18 million.

THOR was developed as a safe solution for protecting airbases from drone threats, as drones are increasingly being used as dangerous weapons.

Compared with other counter-drone systems, such as firearms, nets and lasers, THOR is designed to extend the area affected while reducing the time needed to respond.