The Tactical High Power Operational Responder (THOR) is a cutting-edge directed energy weapon engineered by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to neutralize unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with a particular focus on drone swarms. Unlike traditional weapons, THOR uses powerful microwave bursts to disrupt the electronics of drones mid-flight—offering a fast, cost-effective, and scalable defense solution.
A New Kind of Defense
Developed with a $15 million investment, THOR is part of the U.S. military’s broader push to counter increasingly sophisticated aerial threats. Its mission is clear: protect critical airbases without firing a single bullet. Instead of physical projectiles, THOR relies on intense radio frequency pulses to disable enemy drones almost instantly. Its non-kinetic approach allows for multiple target engagements simultaneously—an essential feature against swarm tactics.
Rapid Development and Deployment
Initiated by AFRL’s Strategic Development Planning & Experimentation (SDPE) Office, THOR’s development included extensive testing at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. It was first unveiled publicly at the 2019 Air, Space & Cyber Conference in Maryland, just 18 months after initial development began.
By April 2020, THOR had begun a year-long overseas assessment to test its battlefield readiness. The system is currently undergoing additional evaluations at Kirtland Air Force Base to further refine its capabilities before full deployment.
U.S. Army Collaboration
In February 2021, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) partnered with AFRL to explore THOR’s integration into broader force protection initiatives. The Army plans to incorporate THOR into its prototype Indirect Fire Protection Capability – High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) system to enhance its defenses against aerial threats.
Modular, Mobile, and Efficient
THOR is designed with practicality in mind. The entire system fits inside a standard 20-foot shipping container and can be fully deployed by just two operators in under three hours. It’s also transportable by C-130 aircraft, allowing for fast relocation across theaters of operation.
The user interface is streamlined, requiring minimal training, while its plug-in power source enables on-the-ground operations without the need for complex logistics.
Why Microwaves?
Unlike high-energy lasers, which target one drone at a time, THOR’s high-powered microwave bursts can disable entire swarms in a fraction of a second. This makes it not only more efficient but also more effective in modern asymmetric threat scenarios.
Future of Counter-UAS Defense
With its silent, invisible beam and nearly instantaneous engagement, THOR represents a paradigm shift in how militaries might defend against aerial threats in the years ahead. Its blend of rapid response, low operational cost, and scalability sets a new benchmark for counter-drone technologies in the age of electronic warfare.
