Raytheon, an RTX business, has demonstrated the capabilities of its Coyote® Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) counter-unmanned aircraft system during a recent U.S. Army demonstration, successfully defeating multiple drone swarms during the exercise.

The system demonstrated launch, flight, intercept and recovery performance, highlighting the operational capability of a recoverable counter-drone solution designed to minimise collateral damage through the use of a non-kinetic payload.

Counter-UAS operational capability

Coyote Block 3NK is designed to loiter and defeat drone swarms using a non-kinetic payload before being recalled and redeployed for additional engagements. Raytheon produces both kinetic and non-kinetic Coyote variants designed to counter small to large drone systems at extended ranges and higher altitudes compared with similar class systems.

Raytheon states the system is designed to provide cost-effective protection against both individual drones and swarm threats, supporting defence forces facing increasingly complex unmanned aerial threats.

Programme context and production development

Raytheon recently secured its largest counter-drone contract to date under the U.S. Army’s Low, Slow, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS) programme.

The company states it has increased investment in Coyote kinetic variant production capacity and performance upgrades to address evolving drone threat capabilities. These upgrades are designed to support faster launch capability, higher speeds and extended operational range at higher altitudes to counter UAS threats carrying heavier payloads over longer distances.

Raytheon and RTX capability base

Raytheon, an RTX business, provides defence technology solutions across integrated air and missile defence, smart weapons, advanced sensors and radar systems, interceptors, space systems, hypersonics and missile defence technologies.

RTX employs more than 180,000 people globally and focuses on aviation, integrated defence systems and advanced technology and manufacturing solutions. The company reported sales exceeding US$88 billion in 2025 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.