This weapon, which is called the Active Denial System, has been developed by the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, in collaboration with Raytheon.

ECONOMIST: Electromagnetic weapons

But when a vehicle-mounted Active Denial System was sent to Afghanistan in May 2010, it was eventually shipped back home without being used.

ECONOMIST: Electromagnetic weapons

The suspicion, though, is that weapons like the Active Denial System really are reminiscent in many minds of the ray guns of science fiction, and that using them in combat would be a PR mistake.

ECONOMIST: Electromagnetic weapons

Its Orwellian-named Active Denial high-power microwave system is meant to control street rioters and repel foes on the run.

FORBES: Light Warfare