The US Army is continuing to invest in cutting-edge anti-drone technology such as the Coyote drone interceptor, a low-cost, highly effective system designed to neutralize drones across vast distances and diverse operational environments.

The Coyote interceptor is a family of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as striking targets and neutralizing enemy drones.

The Block 1 and 1B versions of the Coyote are a small, expendable UAS that can be equipped with blast fragmentation and proximity-fuzed warheads, respectively.

The systems can be ground launched from a pneumatic tube with a maximum speed of 130km per hour and can engage multiple targets simultaneously.

It is supported by the Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor, an advanced radar system that provides detection and tracking capabilities and enables the Coyote to intercept and destroy drones with precision.

This version can be "flown individually or netted together in swarms" and is "adaptable for a variety of missions including surveillance, electronic warfare and strike," according to its manufacturer.

The Block 2 Coyote, the missile version of the system, is rail launched and has a booster rocket motor and a turbine engine, allowing it to achieve speeds of 555–595km per hour and to respond more quickly to threats.

The missile version can destroy both small and large UAS at an effective range of up to 15km when ground launched, and has a re-attack capability if the target evades a hit on the first try.

Meanwhile, the Block 3 Coyote more closely resembles the Block 1 version and utilizes a non-kinetic warhead to neutralize enemy drones.

Unlike the Block 1 version, however, the Block 3 can be recovered, refurbished and reused without leaving the battlefield.

Rapid acquisition

The US Army's rapid acquisition and deployment of these interceptors underscore the urgency of countering the evolving drone threat.

In January, the Army awarded a $75 million contract for the production of 600 Coyote Block 2C interceptors.

"The contract supports a Coyote Interceptor demand increase and subsequent need to increase production capacity," the Army said.

The contract award came in less than 30 days as part of an Office of the Secretary of Defense rapid acquisition authority that was identified to Congress.

Last December, the Army announced plans to purchase 6,000 Block 2 and 700 Block 3 Coyotes, as well as 252 fixed launchers, 25 mobile launch systems and 151 Ku-band radars by 2029.

This investment seeks to rapidly expand the Army's inventory of these critical defense systems and bolster the ability to counter drones.