Raytheon, an RTX business, has demonstrated its Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) system during a recent U.S. Army test, where it was used to counter multiple drone swarms. The demonstration, held on February 11, 2025, showed the system’s launch, flight, intercept and recovery capabilities under operational conditions.
Coyote Block 3 NK is part of a counter-unmanned air system designed to loiter in the air and defeat drone swarms using a non-kinetic payload. The company states that the non-kinetic approach is intended to reduce the risk of collateral damage. After an engagement, the system can be recalled and redeployed for further use.
Raytheon produces both kinetic and non-kinetic variants of the Coyote system. According to the company, these systems are designed to defeat small to large unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at extended ranges and higher altitudes compared to similar systems in their class.
“Coyote provides war fighters a cost-effective defense for individual drones and swarms,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “We continue to invest in Coyote’s combat-proven capabilities, ensuring that allies around the globe gain an affordable operational advantage over sophisticated and evolving drone threats.”
Raytheon recently received what it described as 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 has also invested in expanding production of the kinetic Coyote variant and upgrading performance features, including faster launches, higher speeds and increased range at higher altitudes to address emerging UAS threats carrying heavier payloads over longer distances.
RTX, Raytheon’s parent company, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and reported 2025 sales of more than $88 billion.
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