DEWs are likely to win out in the long term (at least for defensive purposes) because the cost per interception is extremely low when compared even to the price for the 30mm autocannon ammo used by Gepard and similar SPAAGs, never mind when compared to the price of a guided drone or missile. DEWs are also capable of intercepting a broader range of targets, including mortar and artillery rounds. With increased power levels, DEWs should be able to defeat ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well. The US DoD has already developed DEWs more than capable of the 50kW power levels required to destroy a small-UAS like an Orlan and is in the process of integrating them with Strykers and other armored platforms so they can be deployed en masse, but these systems are still in development and thus have not yet been made available to the Ukrainians. e.g., for a system that is already production ready: https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/integrated-air-and-m...
But that's why you don't hear much about re-establishing SPAAG production lines or scaling up interceptor drone production. Everyone knows something cheaper and more capable is coming very soon. Interceptor drones may play a role in clearing out enemy-controlled airspace prior to an offensive action when there is a need to destroy drones that are out of line of sight (although I expect DEWs mounted on attack helicopters or large drones to fulfill that role longer term), but defensively nothing will be able to compete with DEWs on cost and capability in the very near future.
https://www.army.mil/article/268403/army_joint_force_work_to...
DEWs are likely to win out in the long term (at least for defensive purposes) because the cost per interception is extremely low when compared even to the price for the 30mm autocannon ammo used by Gepard and similar SPAAGs, never mind when compared to the price of a guided drone or missile. DEWs are also capable of intercepting a broader range of targets, including mortar and artillery rounds. With increased power levels, DEWs should be able to defeat ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well. The US DoD has already developed DEWs more than capable of the 50kW power levels required to destroy a small-UAS like an Orlan and is in the process of integrating them with Strykers and other armored platforms so they can be deployed en masse, but these systems are still in development and thus have not yet been made available to the Ukrainians. e.g., for a system that is already production ready: https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/integrated-air-and-m...
But that's why you don't hear much about re-establishing SPAAG production lines or scaling up interceptor drone production. Everyone knows something cheaper and more capable is coming very soon. Interceptor drones may play a role in clearing out enemy-controlled airspace prior to an offensive action when there is a need to destroy drones that are out of line of sight (although I expect DEWs mounted on attack helicopters or large drones to fulfill that role longer term), but defensively nothing will be able to compete with DEWs on cost and capability in the very near future.