The U.S. Army has awarded Eprius a $66.1 million contract to supply prototypes of a new anti-drone microwave weapon, called Leonidas, capable of taking down entire swarms of enemy drones with one shot while missing friendly aircraft.

A ground-based counter-electronic system with unmatched power and precision
Leonidas is an anti-electronic system with the power and precision to neutralize a single system in tight, crowded spaces or disable multiple threats over a wide area. Epirus' revolutionary approach to directed microwave energy enables unparalleled anti-electron effects, dramatically reduces system size and weight, and allows for greater operator control and safety. Mounted on a gimbal to increase maneuverability, the system can be deployed on a military base or alongside a mobile unit, allowing for quick response.

A unique combination of hardware, software and embedded technology
Inside Leonidas products is a unique power management architecture that uses real-time machine intelligence to increase efficiency and maximize output.

In addition to powering their machines with directional energy, their multi-layered platform can be used to deliver unmatched control and efficiency results across a wide range of industries.

According to Epirus, Leonidas has the ability to precisely target a single drone, form a microwave wall to stop a swarm, shield certain areas from the sky, or configure itself to allow friendly drones to operate while destroying hostile ones in the same vicinity. It's also open architecture, easily scalable, and designed to maintain safe zones to avoid hurting people.

„Time and time again, we see that current air defense systems are not well-equipped to deal with the threat of autonomous drone swarms. This contract with RCCTO brings a new anti-swarm capability to the UAS fight with our cost-effective, modular and upgradeable Leonidas systems,” says Ken Bedingfield, CEO, Epirus. "As threats continue to evolve, so will our capabilities, ensuring the U.S. military is equipped to effectively counter electronic threats in the near future and beyond for decades to come.“

Video with commentary from the manufacturer company Epirus: