The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has released a video explaining how the technology of an electronic weapon called THOR works, and its ability to take down swarms of drones.
The research laboratory developed the Thor weapon to counter the threat of enemy drones or other air threats, as part of a plan that takes into account the technology of future warfare.
How does "Thor" work?
Thor's technology is deadly but silent, because it disables enemy targets in one go with high-energy lasers, and if it wants to eliminate swarms of drones in one go, it uses high-power microwave ovens.
The Air Force says it's still a prototype for now, working by disabling drones' electronics.
It was specially made with the aim of eliminating large swarms of drones at once.
"The system produces an explosion of powerful radio waves, which operates on a larger scale than bullets or nets in catching drones, and its effects are silent and immediate," said Amber Anderson, director of the "Thor" program.
Built to protect bases from drone attacks or air threats, Thor was initially revealed in 2019 at Kirtland Air Force Base, according to Stars and Stripes.
Thor is not only efficient, but also easy to transport.
It can be transported to all areas in a 20-foot shipping container or via military cargo plane, and its parts can be assembled together by two people.
With drones becoming a growing threat in war, it is easy to understand why the US Air Force is working to find defensive methods against such potential attacks.
"Drones represent a new threat to US military bases, personnel and infrastructure, and Thor's mission is to keep them safe," Anderson said.
The United States is not the only country working on such defense mechanisms.
For example, Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepts missiles and drones.
Companies like Citadel have been working on AI-powered anti-drone systems that force these planes to land autonomously.