May 7, 2026: The American navy recently equipped one of its destroyers with the Coyote drone interceptor system. Coyote has been around since 2014, but only recently got some attention, and millions of dollars’ worth of order. Originally, Coyote was used for surveillance and reconnaissance. The fixed-wing, propeller driven drone could stay aloft for an hour at a time.

A decade ago the American army began working on reconfiguring Coyote and a drone interceptor. This version was 60 cm long with a 1.47 meter wingspan. It is launched, using compressed air, from a box shaped transporter/launcher. This Coyote cruises at 102 kilometers an hour and a top speed of 130 kilometers an hour and a 1.8 kg explosive warhead. Coyote can receive radio commands up to 130 kilometers from its launcher

The warhead is used when Coyote cannot collide with the target. The warhead explosion will damage incoming drones sufficiently to make them ineffective. There is also a more capable jet-propelled Coyote 2. This version weighs 5.9 kg and is maneuverable to come around and go after drones it missed on the first attempt. Top speed is 590 kilometers an hour and max range is 15 kilometers. Using dozens or more Coyote 2s, incoming swarms of hostile drones can be defeated, or at least reduced so that the attack does minimal damage.

In the last few years Coyote 3 has entered service. This version is launched from surface and submarine drones. Coyote 3 is similar to Coyote 1 but larger and can also be launched by American soldiers using the TOW missile found on IFV/Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This version can also be launched from helicopters.

The army is in the process of acquiring nearly 7,000 of all versions of Coyote. Two years ago the United States also sent six hundred Coyote drone interceptors to protect American troops in the Middle East.