Pentagon looks to leverage AI in fight against drones

Defense industry faces a long road ahead to field new and emerging technologies to meet the U.S. ambition.

Small defense tech firms are testing a range of ways to counter swarms of attack drones.

The Pentagon 's Replicator 2 initiative looks to counter-UAS and leverage next-generation technology, such as artificial intelligence.

The Pentagon is exploring AI to build smarter radars and to integrate with more technology, like cameras and disabling weapons.

Robin Radar is one company that is working to meet the demands of Replicator 2 with technology that goes beyond its traditional 360-degree radar detection system that can track very small objects.

Drone Shield is developing a handheld technology called a drone gun that can jam drone frequencies.

Iron Beam is expected to be deployed later this year for Israel , but also has an agreement with Lockheed Martin for a future deployment in the U.S. The U.K. also tested a laser system called DragonFire last year , pointing to strong movement globally for what is generally called a directed energy weapon.

BAE Systems is rolling out more of its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System ( APKWS ).