Raytheon's Coyote Block 3NK Defeats Drone Swarms in U.S. Army Test
AI Analysis
Raytheon's Coyote Block 3NK successfully neutralized drone swarms during a U.S. Army test, utilizing non-kinetic electromagnetic or electronic warfare effects. This reusable counter-drone vehicle is part of the Army's LIDS architecture, emphasizing low-collateral damage and operational flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- Raytheon's Coyote Block 3NK uses non-kinetic payloads to disable drones.
- The system demonstrated effectiveness against drone swarms in a U.S. Army test.
- Coyote Block 3NK is reusable, minimizing collateral damage and suitable for various environments.
- Part of the Army's LIDS architecture, it works with sensors and command networks.
- The system has been operationally used, intercepting over a hundred drones.
Why It Matters
The Coyote Block 3NK represents a significant advancement in counter-UAS technology, offering a reusable and low-collateral solution to drone threats. Its integration into the Army's LIDS architecture enhances the U.S. military's capability to protect critical assets from small and medium-sized drone threats, reflecting a strategic shift towards non-kinetic defense solutions.
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Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3NK Defeats Drone Swarms in U.S. Army Test
![] By [Arun Bishnoi] in [Anti-Air], [Drone], [Loitering Munitions], [News], [USA] February 16, 2026 [**Tweet] [**Share] **Pin 0 Shares In a recent U.S. Army demonstration, Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (3NK) interceptor successfully downed multiple target drones. Raytheon announced on February 11, that the Block 3NK had demonstrated “exceptional launch, flight, intercept and recovery capabilities” by defeating a drone swarm in the exercise. The event – part of the Army’s LIDS (Low, Slow, Small UAS Integrated Defeat System) counter-UAS tests – took place in Arizona. Footage of the trial shows the Coyote jet racing past hostile drones, which immediately tumble out of the sky with no explosions or collisions; the interceptor then lands safely in a recovery net for reuse. The Block 3NK is a loitering, reusable counter-drone vehicle that carries a non-kinetic payload instead of a conventional warhead. This means the Coyote uses advanced electromagnetic or electronic warfare effects – likely a high-power microwave burst or similar – to disable small drones at range, rather than exploding on contact. Raytheon notes this non-kinetic mode minimizes collateral damage and makes the system suitable for use over troops, bases or civilian infrastructure. The interceptor can loiter on station, engage multiple targets, then be recalled and redeployed after the mission. It boasts an extended range and altitude compared to earlier Coyotes, enough to engage the Army’s small and medium drone threats. ![] Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3NK defeats drone swarms in U.S. Army test. (RTX) The Coyote program has evolved from an expendable loitering drone into a full-fledged counter-UAS force. Early Block 2 Coyotes added a jet turbine engine and a kinetic warhead for hitting hostile drones. The Block 3 family keeps that jet-powered airframe but removes the explosion: Block 3NK swaps the warhead for an invisible energy weapon and is designed to be caught in a net and reused after flight. Raytheon emphasizes that Coyote interceptors have already been used operationally and “intercepted more than a hundred drones in combat environments,” and that this combat-proven platform now specializes in low-collateral counter-UAS missions. The system is fielded as part of the Army’s layered air defense (LIDS) architecture, working alongside sensors and command networks to protect against Group 1–3 unmanned aerial threats. This successful test highlights the Block 3NK’s impact