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Raytheon’s Reusable Coyote 3NK Downs Drone Swarms in U.S. Army Demo

Raytheon positions the recoverable interceptor to cut engagement costs, reducing collateral risk in urban defense.

Overview

  • Raytheon said on February 11 that its Coyote Block 3 Non‑Kinetic variant defeated drone swarms in a recent Army demonstration and was recovered for reuse.
  • The company describes the effect as non‑kinetic and has not disclosed the exact method, with test video showing drones falling without collisions or explosions.
  • Block 3NK is being integrated into the Army’s LIDS architecture, with Raytheon citing its largest counter‑drone contract to date and a production ramp expected later in 2026.
  • In Operation Clear Horizon testing in October 2025, Raytheon reported the system downed at least 10 drones before landing in a recovery net for refurbishment.
  • Raytheon frames the approach as lowering cost per engagement and limiting debris in populated areas, while noting the Coyote family has intercepted more than 100 drones in combat.