High Power Microwaves: Strategic and Operational Implications for Warfare

The conclusion of this study is that high power microwave technology is ready for the transition to active weapons in the U.S. military. It reviews various applications of high power microwave weapons in strategic and operational missions for the Air Force considers the implications of the integration of microwave technology into operational weapons and examines numerous constraints and challenges associated with the transition of new technologies and systems into the Air Force inventory. This study concludes that high power microwave weapons systems offer the prospect of significant offensive and defensive capabilities for all of the military services. The principal recommendations include the suggestion that the Department of Defense and the Air Force establish a High Power Microwave Systems Program Office for the purpose of developing these weapons and integrating them into the combatant commands. This systems program office should be a joint program office that involves the participa-tion of the Army Navy and Marine Corps as well as other agencies. Only then will the U.S. military be able to maximize the development of microwave applications minimize costs and facilitate the transition of this unique technology to the military services and other government agencies. Not only should defense contractors be encouraged to develop the technical capabilities that would permit them to participate in microwave weapons programs but this study also concludes that all U.S. military systems should be hardened to protect them against the effects of microwaves.