Dizziness. Headaches. Unbearable sound sensations. Unconsciousness. All symptoms experienced but without explanation. It was dubbed “Havana Syndrome” in the popular press but its reach stretched well past Cuban borders. The phenomenon initially identified in Havana, Cuba, in 2016, has affected over 1,000 US personnel worldwide, including diplomats and members of the CIA, FBI, and White House staff. 

A recent investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes links these incidents to the Russian military intelligence unit 29155, suggesting the use of “directed energy” weapons. This unit, implicated in the 2018 poisoning attempt of Sergei Skripal in the UK, allegedly targeted US diplomats. While the US intelligence community has previously downplayed the likelihood of foreign involvement, this new report presents evidence of the Russian unit’s presence in locations coinciding with reported incidents. Despite these findings, the Kremlin denies involvement, and US officials maintain it is “very unlikely a foreign adversary is responsible.” The investigation has reignited debate over the cause and culpability of these unexplained health incidents, challenging the US government’s response and support for affected personnel.

So what’s the science behind this specific version of directed-energy weapons? 

High Powered Microwave (HPM) technology harnesses the principles of electromagnetic radiation to create focused beams of microwave energy. At the core of this technology are devices like magnetrons and gyrotrons, which generate microwaves at specific frequencies. These microwaves, part of the electromagnetic spectrum, are akin to the radiation used in common household microwave ovens but are immensely more powerful and concentrated.

The scientific foundation of HPM technology lies in its interaction with materials and electronic systems. When microwaves encounter materials, they can induce heating by causing polar molecules, such as water, to rotate rapidly. In electronic systems, microwaves can induce currents and voltages that exceed the components’ design thresholds, potentially leading to system failure or malfunction. This is due to the microwave’s ability to penetrate and interact with the electronic circuitry, a phenomenon known as electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The theoretical weaponization of HPM technology revolves around its capacity to target and disable electronic systems from a distance without necessitating physical intrusion. Such weapons could effectively render electronic devices useless, disrupt communications, and incapacitate critical infrastructure with minimal collateral damage to structures and personnel. This makes HPM technology a potent tool for electronic warfare, capable of neutralizing enemy defenses, command and control systems, and other electronic assets.

Moreover, the directed energy aspect of HPM weapons allows for precise targeting, reducing the risk of unintended damage. Theoretically, these weapons could be mounted on platforms such as vehicles, aircraft, or ships, extending their operational reach. The development and deployment of HPM weapons, however, raise significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly regarding their effects on human targets and the potential for escalation in military conflicts.

High Power Microwave (HPM) weapons, which emit concentrated electromagnetic radiation, can potentially harm humans through several mechanisms, although their primary design is for disrupting electronic equipment. The potential effects on humans are subject to ongoing research and debate, particularly concerning the intensity and frequency of the exposure. Here’s an overview of how HPM weapons could theoretically harm humans and the science behind such effects:

The most direct way HPM energy can harm humans is through thermal effects. Like in a microwave oven, microwaves can cause water molecules in the body to oscillate, generating heat through dielectric heating. If the energy is intense enough, this can lead to burns or heat-related injuries internally or on the skin’s surface. The degree of harm depends on the power of the microwave emission and the exposure duration.

Humans have electrical systems in their bodies—our nervous system and brain function using electrical signals. There’s a theoretical risk that HPM exposure could interfere with these signals. For example, intense electromagnetic fields might disrupt the normal electrical activities in the nervous system, potentially affecting brain function, muscle control, or heart rhythm. However, the specific outcomes would greatly depend on the frequency and power levels of the microwaves, with most research suggesting significant effects would require exposures higher than those typically associated with non-lethal weapons.

There’s a phenomenon known as the “microwave auditory effect” or “Frey effect,” where pulsed microwaves are perceived as clicks or sounds by the human brain. This effect occurs without any mechanical or thermal interaction with the ear itself; instead, the microwave pulses induce an electrical effect directly in the brain. While not necessarily harmful at low levels, there’s potential for disorientation or distress during high-intensity exposure.

Aside from direct physical harm, there could be indirect effects such as the disruption of medical devices (e.g., pacemakers) upon which an individual’s life may depend. Interference with these devices could have serious consequences.

It’s important to note that while theoretical models and in vitro studies provide some insight, the full extent of HPM effects on human health is not completely understood. Ethical considerations limit the kind of research that can be done in this area, leading to a reliance on animal studies, computer models, and accidental exposures for data.

IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. Air Force.

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