High Power Electromagnetic Weapons (HPEM Weapons)

Intelligence Summary: High Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) Weapons — Diehl Defence

Node Identity: HPEM (High Power ElectroMagnetic) weapons are a distinct category of directed energy weapon developed and patented by Diehl Defence GmbH, emitting powerful electromagnetic pulses to disrupt and destroy electronic systems. Unlike laser weapons that operate in the optical domain, HPEM effectors operate in the electromagnetic/radiation domain — generating and directing intense microwave pulses through plasma-based sources. Diehl holds multiple US patents (US Patent 11,194,015; US Patent 11,209,247B2) covering HPEM source technology and microwave pulse radiation generation.

Strategic Relevance: HPEM weapons represent Germany's most distinctive directed energy capability — electromagnetic pulse weapons designed specifically to destroy electronics rather than physical structures. Diehl presented an HPEM horn-antenna system at NATO STO with radiated power increased by a factor of four over previous generations. A 2025 Diehl Defence patent application describes a "scalable HPEM effector arrangement against threats having a plurality of targets" — multiple independently activatable HPEM sources for multi-target engagement, indicating evolution toward operational multi-mission capability. Diehl's Counter-UAS system combines HPEM and jamming for "soft kill and hard kill effects," positioning HPEM as a key counter-drone technology. The emphasis on disrupting electronic systems connects HPEM to the broader electromagnetic warfare domain where plasma-based source technology is central.

Technical Focus / Capabilities: HPEM effectors generate high-power electromagnetic pulses using compact plasma-based microwave sources. The technology can achieve both "soft kill" (temporary disruption) and "hard kill" (permanent electronic destruction) effects against target systems. Diehl's scalable effector architecture enables engagement of multiple targets with independently activatable sources, representing a shift from single-shot to multi-target electromagnetic attack capability. The horn-antenna system demonstrated at NATO STO shows mature radiated power levels suitable for operational deployment. HPEM's ability to neutralize electronic threats without kinetic effects makes it particularly valuable for counter-UAS, electronic warfare, and asymmetric threat scenarios where collateral damage must be minimized.

Network Linkage: HPEM Weapons are developed by Diehl Defence, representing a parallel directed energy capability to Germany's laser weapon program. While not directly connected to the National Laser Weapon Program, HPEM complements the optical DEW capability with electromagnetic pulse weapons.