The announcement follows the downing of two Colombian police Black Hawk helicopters by basic drones, highlighting how inexpensive systems can neutralise advanced aircraft. This incident demonstrates a growing vulnerability for civilian security and raises questions for law enforcement about protecting the public.
America’s rivals are turning to mass production of drones, with Russia on course to build 6,000 Shahed-style systems each year. China’s industrial base is capable of producing over 200,000 small drones monthly, creating swarms designed to overwhelm defences that rely on limited missile and ammunition stockpiles.
“Seeing the news about the Black Hawks in Colombia was personal. As a former 160th SOAR pilot, my job was to fly those same aircraft into the most dangerous places on earth,” said Justin Sadeghian, Director of National Security Growth at Thor Dynamics. “A defense that needs to reload is a defense that is guaranteed to fail against a swarm. You cannot win a war of mass with a limited magazine.”
Thor Dynamics’ Laser Armor is designed as a lightweight, man-portable laser system for troops, special operations units, and law enforcement. It delivers a near-limitless magazine at a cost of a penny per shot, with reinforcement learning enabling precise targeting and continuous protection.
The DiDEX invitation signals Army interest in addressing this emerging threat and builds on Thor Dynamics’ recent recognition by U.S. Special Operations Command and the Army’s xTechOverwatch programme. These endorsements underline the company’s position as a leading innovator in countering drone swarm warfare.
