The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allocates $44 million under Position 106 for cognitive electromagnetic warfare (CEW) — formally recognizing cognitive effects within the electromagnetic spectrum, a capability long kept out of public view.
What is known so far
For the first time, the U.S. government is openly funding research into cognitive warfare, signaling a significant shift in how it intends to study — and potentially influence — human cognition using electromagnetic technologies.
By March 31, 2026, the Secretary of Defense is required to deliver an official definition of cognitive warfare, amid growing concern over technologies capable of manipulating the human mind. Among these are systems described as Directed Energy Mediated Cognitive Warfare (DE‑CW).
A 2025 NATO report on cognitive warfare raised alarm by acknowledging that cognition can be influenced “by any means and through technological advancement,” effectively opening the door to the military use of directed‑energy technologies. This followed an earlier 2023 report, which referenced the role of directed energy but avoided explicit discussion of its applications.
The new funding aims to move beyond traditional radar interference toward technologies capable of modulating thoughts and emotions at specific frequencies, such as 2.397 GHz — possibly targeting graphene‑based neural lattices within the brain.
Analysts have speculated that such systems could be synchronized with orbital networks like Starlink or older classified projects such as Stargate, transforming atmospheric aerosols into potential precision‑targeting tools.
Underlying concepts draw on the Frey effect, through which pulsed microwaves create pressure waves that interact directly with brain tissue — a mechanism previously associated with the so‑called Havana Syndrome, in which affected individuals reported auditory hallucinations and neurological symptoms.
In the 1960s, the Frey effect demonstrated how microwaves can create sounds in the brain through thermoelastic expansion.
The US military later explored “Voice-to-Skull” technology, using pulsed microwaves to transmit audio directly to targets.
This was referenced in a 1998 Army thesaurus and projects like MEDUSA.
◾️The “Voice of God” Weapon: V2K was investigated for psychological operations, such as beaming messages to enemies or manipulating individuals.
◾️ Military Research: Allan Frey’s experiments showed radar-like pulses could create sounds.
1975 studies at Walter Reed reportedly transmitted words using microwaves.
Pentagon patents suggest potential uses for subliminal messaging and disorientation. Claims link V2K to inducing hallucinations and controlling “targeted individuals” to commit violence.
◾️ The V2K Removal: In 2008, the Army removed public references to V2K, fueling speculation about its covert use.
V2K Cases in Violence:
◾️ Aaron Alexis (2013): Complained of hearing voices and microwave vibrations before the Navy Yard shooting.
◾️ Vince Li (2008): Heard the “Voice of God” before beheading a man; diagnosed with schizophrenia.
◾️ Myron May (2014): Claimed “directed energy weapons” were used against him before the FSU shooting.
◾️ Esteban Santiago (2017): Told the FBI the CIA controlled his mind before the airport shooting.
◾️ Nikolas Cruz (2018): Reported hearing “demons” instructing him to carry out the Parkland shooting.
