The Department of Homeland Security is developing microwave technology that can remotely shut down jet ski engines to help the Coast Guard intercept suspected smugglers at sea.
The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) demonstrated its Contactless Vessel Stopping Capability (CVSC) prototype last month in California’s Mojave Desert, showing near-instantaneous engine-shutdown capability.
The technology addresses a critical gap in maritime enforcement. Currently, Coast Guard crews must chase down nimble jet skis using 33-foot boats — a dangerous mismatch when pursuing suspected drug runners or human traffickers speeding toward shore.
“We’re looking forward to improving upon the progress we’ve made and accelerating future developments to give USCG a solution to their small vessel gap as fast as possible,” said S&T Maritime and Immigration Security Solutions Program Manager Anthony Caracciolo.
The CVSC works by overwhelming electronic circuits with high-powered microwave pulses. Think police spike strips, but for the ocean.
Testing at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake has shown promising results. During December demonstrations, the prototype stopped a tethered jet ski almost instantly—a significant improvement from earlier tests in September.
The challenge with jet skis differs from that of larger vessels.
“The small engine is inside of the craft, and the operator is blocking it with their body,” Caracciolo explained. “CVSC is designed to be effective in those challenging conditions.”
Engineers corrected a transmission cable fault between tests and slightly increased the pulse repetition rate—the result: faster, more reliable engine shutdown without permanent damage to the target vessel.
S&T plans follow-up demonstrations early this year to refine power levels, ranges, and safety parameters. The next prototype will incorporate lessons learned from the desert pond tests.
One potential scenario involves intercepting jet skis traveling from Mexico toward San Diego beaches. Once stopped, Coast Guard personnel can investigate whether vessels carry contraband or trafficking victims.
The multi-agency effort involves S&T, the Coast Guard, and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. NAWCWD was selected for its expertise in high-powered microwave technologies affecting electronic targets.
The technology represents a safer alternative to high-speed chases at sea. Current interdiction methods risk collisions or injuries when pursuing small, agile watercraft in crowded waters.
