ThinKom Alecto

History

ThinKom Alecto is a mobile high-power microwave counter-unmanned aircraft system being developed for evaluation by the U.S. Army. It is intended to provide a non-kinetic directed-energy option against Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft.

The system combines ThinKom's Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub antenna technology with government-designated sensors, fire-control capabilities, and a mobile platform. ThinKom states that Alecto is designed to engage drone threats while the platform is moving.

In August 2026, the U.S. Army awarded ThinKom Solutions an Other Transaction prototype project with a ceiling of $49 million. Initial funding covers one of four prototypes requested by the Army's Program Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Effects, with government-led field testing planned for 2027.

Prototype award

The prototype project is managed through Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires and its Program Manager for Advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Effects. According to the ThinKom announcement, the agreement calls for delivery and evaluation of a mobile high-power microwave counter-UAS capability.

ThinKom is responsible for providing the Alecto microwave effector and integrating it with government-designated sensors, fire-control capabilities, and a mobile platform. The Army will lead integration, testing, and evaluation. Reporting by Military Aerospace and DroneFirms describes the same prototype scope and planned 2027 testing.

The agreement is a prototype effort rather than a production decision. It does not commit the Army to purchasing a specific number of Alecto systems beyond the prototype activity. Test results are intended to inform later Army decisions about the capability.

Design

Alecto is designed as a mobile high-power microwave effector for counter-UAS missions. High-power microwave weapons direct electromagnetic energy toward a target to disrupt or damage electronic systems rather than using a conventional projectile or interceptor.

VICTS antenna

The system uses ThinKom's patented Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub, or VICTS, antenna technology. ThinKom has previously used this antenna architecture in satellite communications and other radio-frequency systems. In Alecto, the technology supports delivery of high-power microwave energy as part of the counter-UAS effector.

Mobile operation

ThinKom describes Alecto as capable of firing while moving. This feature is intended to allow the system to accompany maneuver forces instead of depending on a fixed installation. The prototype is planned for integration on a mobile platform designated for the Army evaluation.

System integration

Alecto is not being evaluated as a standalone detection and engagement system. Government-designated sensors are intended to provide threat information, while fire-control capabilities support the engagement process. The prototype program will evaluate how the microwave effector operates with these sensing and control elements.

Program status

As of the August 2026 prototype award, Alecto had not been selected for production. Initial Army funding supports one of four requested prototypes. Government-led integration, field testing, and evaluation are planned for 2027.

The Army intends to use the test results to assess the suitability of high-power microwave technology for mobile counter-UAS operations. No production quantity, service-entry date, or operational deployment has been announced in the supplied sources.

Specifications (Alecto prototype)

General characteristics

• Type: Mobile high-power microwave counter-UAS effector.
• Manufacturer: ThinKom Solutions Inc.
• Primary role: Non-kinetic defense against unmanned aircraft.
• Target classes: Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aircraft.
• Antenna technology: Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub antenna.
• Mobility: Designed for operation and engagement while moving.
• Integration: Government-designated sensors, fire-control capabilities, and a mobile platform.

Prototype program

• Agreement ceiling: $49 million.
• Requested prototypes: Four, with initial funding covering one prototype.
• Field testing: Planned for 2027.
• Evaluation authority: U.S. Army government-led integration, testing, and evaluation.