The U.S. Army recently witnessed a demonstration of Raytheon’s Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (3NK) counter-drone system successfully defeating multiple drone swarms, the company announced on February 11, 2026. The system, designed to neutralize unmanned aerial threats with a non-kinetic payload, is intended to minimize collateral damage and can be recovered for reuse.
During the demonstration, the Coyote 3NK intercepted at least ten drones during Operation Clear Horizon trials in October 2025, according to Raytheon. The system operates by disabling drones without physical contact or explosive force, a method the company has not publicly detailed. Following successful intercepts, the Coyote aircraft landed using a recovery net, enabling refurbishment and redeployment for subsequent missions.
Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, stated that Coyote provides “a cost-effective defense for individual drones and swarms.” Raytheon has been investing in enhancements to both kinetic and non-kinetic Coyote variants, focusing on increased range, speed, and altitude capabilities to counter drones carrying heavier payloads.
The development of the reusable Coyote Block 3NK addresses a growing concern for military commanders: defending against drone swarms without expending large numbers of expensive interceptors. The ability to recover and reuse the system is intended to stretch limited inventories and reduce the overall cost of defense against repeated drone attacks. A similar Coyote Block 3 non-kinetic system was previously tested by the Army in 2021, successfully engaging and defeating a swarm of ten drones, with the vehicle subsequently recovered, refurbished, and reused during the same event.
Raytheon recently secured its largest counter-drone contract to date under the U.S. Army’s Low, Slow, Slight-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) program. The company highlighted the system’s launch, flight, intercept, and recovery capabilities as key features of its effectiveness.
