LRAD is a sound weapon of suppression: the use of Serbian police and global productions

Protests in Serbia before the use of LRAD

 Serbian police used LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device)– a powerful acoustic weapon capable of emitting directional sound waves with an intensity of up to 160 decibels, which causes protesters acute pain, disorientation and even hearing damage. This tool, developed in the United States, is used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world to disperse crowds, secure borders, and protect strategic facilities.

What is LRAD and how does it work?

LRAD is a directional sound device capable of transmitting both ultrasonic signals and clear voice commands over long distances (up to 5 km). It has high power and highly directional sound transmission, which makes it effective for psychological and physical effects on people.

Main Features of LRAD:

• Sound power: up to 160 dB (equivalent to a jet engine at close range).
• Frequency range: 2-5 kHz, which makes the sound especially unpleasant and painful.
• Effects of exposure: temporary deafness, dizziness, nausea, panic.
• This weapon causes resonance in the auricle and inner ear, which leads to a sharp deterioration in well-being. 
• Permanent hearing damage is possible with prolonged exposure.

Manufacturers of LRAD and its Distribution LRAD

 Corporation (USA)

The developer and the largest supplier of such systems. The company started by creating loudspeakers for the US military, but then its products began to be actively used by the police and private security agencies.

Basic models:

• The LRAD 100X is a portable version for local use (for example, in the police).
• LRAD 500X/1000X – stationary systems for military bases, naval vessels, airports.
• The LRAD 450XL is a version with a wider scattering angle, used to control large groups of people.

Genasys Inc. (USA)

This company also produces sound weapons and mass notification systems, similar in characteristics to LRAD. Its technologies are actively used in Europe and Asia.

Novaco Ltd. (UK)

It supplies sound systems for anti-terrorist operations and riot suppression. The main product is a directional acoustic radiator that uses more sophisticated algorithms to generate uncomfortable sound waves.

China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (China)

China has developed powerful ultrasonic guns for the police and the army. They work on the LRAD principle, but they have automatic frequency tuning for more effective crowd suppression.

The use of LRAD in the world

• USA – was used during the BLM (Black Lives Matter) protests, on warships to protect against pirates.
• France – used against the "yellow vests" during mass actions.
• Turkey – used during anti-government demonstrations.
• Canada – used against protesting truckers in 2022.
• China is using sound cannons on the border with India.
• Serbia – Police used LRAD to disperse protests in 2025.