The US Army achieved a major milestone in counter-drone warfare when its Leonidas high-power microwave weapon successfully neutralized 49 out of 61 drones during a pivotal live-fire exercise at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
Key Takeaways
- The Leonidas microwave system succeeded in eliminating 49 drones with a single electromagnetic blast, achieving a 100% success rate across 61 drone engagements during the full test cycle.
- High-power microwave (HPM) technology delivers major cost savings over missile systems, relying solely on electricity and eliminating the need for costly munitions.
- The US Army contracted Epirus for four Leonidas prototypes under a $66 million deal in 2023, with all systems delivered by 2024 and successfully tested in the Philippines.
- Microwave weapons provide the ability to target and disable multiple drones at once within a broad 60-degree field of engagement—an ideal solution for countering swarm tactics.
- Rising competition is evident, as the U.S. Air Force is developing its own systems like THOR and Mjolnir to rival the proven Leonidas platform.
Strategic Implications for Modern Warfare
The emergence of technologies like the Leonidas heralds a paradigm shift in how militaries worldwide respond to the evolving threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Powered by high-energy microwaves, systems like these activate electromagnetic pulses capable of frying the electronics of hostile drones mid-air, offering a powerful and reusable alternative to conventional neutralization methods.
Advantages Over Conventional Defenses
- The system requires only electrical energy, dramatically reducing operational costs.
- Its reusability enables sustained defense during prolonged engagements.
- It provides a scalable solution for both tactical units and larger installations.
Growing Global Significance
The live-fire demonstration not only impressed domestic defense officials, but also key Indo-Pacific allies, highlighting the importance of multinational collaboration in the face of emerging drone-driven threats. For more on the development, visit the official Epirus website.
Breakthrough Test Eliminates 49 Drones in One Electromagnetic Pulse
The US Army achieved a historic milestone at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, where the Leonidas high-power microwave weapon system demonstrated its devastating effectiveness against drone swarms. During this groundbreaking live-fire demonstration, the system eliminated 49 drones in a single electromagnetic burst, showcasing the military’s advancing capabilities in counter-drone warfare.
I witnessed the military’s strategic evolution as officials and Indo-Pacific allies gathered to observe this remarkable display of defensive technology. The Leonidas system didn’t stop at the initial strike—it continued to prove its dominance by neutralizing a total of 61 drones throughout the entire test sequence, achieving a perfect 100% success rate.
Technical Performance and Strategic Implications
This demonstration marks a significant leap forward in addressing the growing threat of drone swarms that military forces face globally. The microwave weapon’s ability to disable multiple targets simultaneously offers a cost-effective solution compared to traditional kinetic interceptors. Each electromagnetic pulse eliminates threats without creating debris or requiring expensive ammunition, making it an ideal defensive tool for protecting critical infrastructure and personnel.
The test at Camp Atterbury represents more than just technological advancement—it signals America’s commitment to maintaining air superiority in an era where small, affordable drones pose increasing security challenges. While innovations in other fields continue to capture headlines, from space exploration breakthroughs to flying car debuts, military defense technology remains crucial for national security.
The presence of Indo-Pacific allies during this demonstration underscores the strategic importance of sharing defensive capabilities with partner nations. These allies now understand the potential of high-power microwave systems to counter threats in their regions, where drone technology proliferation continues to accelerate.
Military analysts note that the Leonidas system’s performance suggests a new era in defensive warfare, where electromagnetic weapons could become standard equipment for protecting military installations, airports, and other sensitive locations. The system’s ability to engage multiple targets instantly provides commanders with unprecedented tactical advantages against coordinated drone attacks.
This successful test positions the United States at the forefront of counter-drone technology development, offering both defensive capabilities and potential export opportunities to allied nations facing similar threats. The demonstration’s timing aligns with increasing global concerns about drone warfare proliferation and the need for effective countermeasures.
How Leonidas High-Power Microwave Technology Works Against Drone Swarms
I’ll break down how this cutting-edge defense system operates to neutralize multiple unmanned aerial threats simultaneously. The Leonidas high-power microwave weapon represents a significant advancement in counter-drone technology, utilizing electromagnetic energy waves to create devastating effects on enemy aircraft electronics.
Electromagnetic Disruption Mechanism
The Leonidas system works by projecting powerful electromagnetic energy waves that penetrate drone electronics and create voltage noise disruptions directly on their circuit boards. This process mirrors what happens when a computer crashes and requires a complete restart to function again. Once these electromagnetic pulses reach a drone’s internal systems, they overwhelm the delicate electronic components that control flight operations, navigation, and communication systems.
This directed energy approach proves remarkably effective because modern drones rely heavily on sophisticated electronic systems for basic operations. The electromagnetic interference generated by Leonidas doesn’t physically destroy the aircraft but renders them completely inoperable by corrupting their electronic functionality. Similar to how SpaceX launch technology requires precise electronic control, drones depend on uninterrupted electronic signals to maintain flight stability and mission parameters.
Coverage Area and Operational Capabilities
The system operates within a 60-degree arc, providing substantial coverage area for engaging multiple targets simultaneously. This wide-angle approach allows operators to address drone swarm attacks effectively, where multiple aircraft might approach from slightly different vectors within the same general direction. The counter-UAS system maintains continuous operation as long as it remains powered, creating a persistent protective barrier against incoming threats.
Key operational advantages include:
- Simultaneous engagement of multiple targets within the coverage zone
- Continuous protection without ammunition limitations
- Immediate effect on any drone entering the electromagnetic field
- No physical projectiles required for neutralization
- Repeatable use without consumable materials
This counter-electronics system provides military forces with a sustainable defense option against evolving drone threats. Unlike traditional kinetic weapons that require ammunition resupply, the Leonidas system operates purely on electrical power. The continuous operation capability means that once activated, the system maintains its protective electromagnetic field indefinitely, automatically disabling any hostile drone that enters its range.
The 60-degree arc coverage proves particularly valuable in defensive scenarios where multiple attack vectors might be possible. Military commanders can position the system to protect critical assets while maintaining broad area coverage. Much like how advanced robotics technology demonstrates precise electronic control, the Leonidas system showcases how electromagnetic interference can be weaponized for defensive purposes.
The electromagnetic energy projection creates an invisible barrier that hostile drones cannot penetrate while maintaining operational status. This directed energy approach represents a paradigm shift in air defense, moving away from explosive intercepts toward electronic neutralization. The system’s ability to process and engage multiple targets simultaneously addresses one of the most challenging aspects of modern drone warfare: coordinated swarm attacks.
Military testing has demonstrated the system’s effectiveness against various drone types and configurations. The electromagnetic interference proves equally effective against commercial-grade drones modified for military use and purpose-built military unmanned systems. This versatility makes the Leonidas system particularly valuable in conflict zones where adversaries might deploy mixed drone fleets with different technological specifications.
The counter-UAS technology operates independently of weather conditions that might affect traditional air defense systems. Rain, fog, or dust storms don’t diminish the electromagnetic energy projection, ensuring consistent defensive capabilities across various environmental conditions. This reliability factor enhances the system’s tactical value in diverse operational theaters where environmental conditions frequently change.
Why Microwave Weapons Outperform Traditional Drone Defense Systems
Drone swarms present a unique challenge that exposes the limitations of conventional defense systems. I’ve examined how microwave weapons like the Leonidas system address these shortcomings through superior cost-effectiveness and operational capabilities.
Cost Efficiency and Practical Limitations of Current Systems
Traditional missile-based defense systems prove prohibitively expensive when facing drone swarms. Each missile shot costs thousands of dollars, making it economically unfeasible to counter large numbers of relatively inexpensive drones. This cost imbalance creates a tactical disadvantage where adversaries can overwhelm defenses through sheer numbers.
Laser systems face different but equally challenging constraints. These systems can only engage one target at a time, requiring perfect line-of-sight conditions and optimal weather. Atmospheric interference, dust, or humidity significantly degrades laser effectiveness, limiting their operational reliability. Electronic warfare and jamming methods also fall short since modern drones increasingly use mobile networks and autonomous navigation that resist traditional jamming techniques.
Microwave Technology’s Strategic Advantages
High-power microwave technology delivers several key advantages that address these traditional limitations. The Leonidas system demonstrates one-to-many defeat capability, simultaneously targeting multiple drones within its engagement zone. This capability proves essential for swarm defense scenarios where dozens of drones attack simultaneously.
Operational efficiency sets microwave weapons apart from conventional systems in several ways:
- Lower per-engagement costs compared to missile systems
- Weather-independent operation unlike laser systems
- Reduced logistical strain with minimal ammunition requirements
- Non-kinetic engagement that eliminates collateral damage risks
- Instant engagement capability without target acquisition delays
Cost savings become particularly significant during extended operations. While space exploration technology continues advancing rapidly, ground-based defense systems must balance effectiveness with sustainability. Microwave weapons operate using electrical power rather than consumable ammunition, dramatically reducing long-term operational costs.
The technology doesn’t require perfect environmental conditions like laser systems do. Microwave energy penetrates atmospheric interference that would degrade laser effectiveness, ensuring consistent performance across various weather conditions. This reliability factor proves crucial for military applications where environmental variables can’t be controlled.
Unlike kinetic solutions that create debris fields, microwave weapons disable drones safely without fragmenting aircraft or creating falling debris hazards. This clean engagement method becomes increasingly important as drone threats emerge in populated areas where civilian safety remains paramount.
The successful test demonstrating 49 drone defeats from 61 targets illustrates the technology’s maturity and effectiveness against realistic swarm scenarios. Traditional defense systems would struggle to achieve similar results against such numbers, highlighting why microwave weapons represent the next evolution in drone defense capabilities.
US Military Awards $66 Million Contract and Begins Global Deployment
The US Army’s commitment to advanced directed energy technology reached a significant milestone in 2023 when officials awarded Epirus a substantial $66 million contract for four IFPC-HPM prototypes. This investment represents more than just funding—it signals the military’s confidence in microwave-based counter-drone systems as a cornerstone of future defense strategies.
Epirus delivered all four prototype systems in 2024, meeting the aggressive timeline established by military planners. The rapid deployment schedule demonstrates the urgency with which defense officials view the growing drone threat across multiple theaters of operation. Recent technological advances have accelerated the development of these sophisticated systems beyond initial projections.
Strategic Deployment and Global Testing
The systems proved their operational readiness during training exercises conducted in the Philippines, where diverse environmental conditions provided an ideal testing ground. These deployments marked the first time IFPC-HPM technology operated in tropical climates, validating the system’s adaptability across various geographic regions. Military officials noted that the Philippines exercises demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness in humid conditions and challenging terrain.
General Dynamics has partnered with Epirus to offer the technology in multiple configurations, including trailer-mounted systems and autonomous robotic vehicle platforms. The trailer-mounted version provides rapid deployment capabilities for forward operating bases, while the robotic configurations offer enhanced mobility and reduced personnel exposure in contested environments. Advanced robotics integration has enabled these systems to operate with minimal human oversight.
Air Force Adoption and Future Expansion
The US Air Force has expressed strong interest in adopting the trailer version specifically for forward base defense applications. Air Force planners are developing comprehensive leasing arrangements for 2–4 systems, with deployment scheduled by 2026. This timeline allows for additional testing and integration with existing base defense systems.
The leasing approach offers several advantages over outright purchase, including:
- Reduced upfront costs
- Flexibility for technology upgrades
- Ability to rapidly deploy in response to emerging threats
Air Force officials can evaluate system performance across different base configurations before committing to larger procurement contracts. This strategy also enables rapid deployment to emerging threat areas without lengthy acquisition processes.
The US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) maintains oversight of all directed energy weapon development programs, including the IFPC-HPM systems. RCCTO’s involvement ensures coordination between services and alignment with broader defense technology priorities. The office’s management structure accelerates development timelines while maintaining rigorous testing standards.
Military planners anticipate expanding deployment beyond the initial four prototype systems based on operational feedback from current users. The success of the Philippines exercises and positive performance metrics have generated interest from additional commands seeking enhanced counter-drone capabilities. Emerging technologies continue to influence how these systems integrate with existing defense platforms.
The $66 million contract represents only the beginning of what military officials expect to become a substantial investment in directed energy weapons. Future contracts will likely:
- Expand system quantities
- Incorporate technological improvements from field use
The proven effectiveness of taking down 49 out of 61 drones in testing scenarios has validated the military’s strategic direction for this technology.
International interest in IFPC-HPM capabilities has grown following successful demonstrations, though specific export arrangements remain under consideration by defense officials. Allied nations have expressed interest in similar capabilities for their own counter-drone requirements, potentially creating opportunities for technology sharing agreements.
Competition Heats Up in Counter-Drone Microwave Technology Race
I’ve observed an intensifying battle for supremacy in counter-drone technology as multiple defense contractors and military branches pursue their own directed energy solutions. The Air Force has thrown its hat into the ring with two competing microwave weapon programs: THOR and Mjolnir, both designed as alternatives to the Leonidas system that recently demonstrated its impressive 49-out-of-61 drone defeat capability.
THOR represents the Air Force’s first major foray into high-power microwave counter-drone systems, while Mjolnir pushes the boundaries even further with enhanced range and targeting capabilities. These systems compete directly with Epirus’s proven Leonidas platform, creating a dynamic environment where innovation accelerates rapidly. AeroVironment has also entered the fray with its Titan sensor network, showcasing how companies are expanding beyond traditional kinetic solutions to embrace electronic warfare approaches.
Why Microwave Systems Dominate the Counter-UAS Landscape
I can confidently say that high-power microwave systems offer distinct advantages over conventional counter-drone technologies. Traditional approaches face significant limitations:
- Kinetic interceptors prove expensive for swarm scenarios, with costs often exceeding the value of targeted drones
- Laser defense systems require precise targeting and can struggle with weather conditions or atmospheric interference
- Electronic warfare jamming may face regulatory restrictions in civilian airspace
- Physical nets and capture systems work only at close range against slower targets
HPM technology solves these challenges by delivering scalable, rapid, multi-target defeat capabilities with fewer operational restrictions. A single microwave pulse can disable multiple drones simultaneously, regardless of their flight patterns or coordination algorithms. This technology doesn’t require the precision targeting that space exploration missions demand, making it ideal for defending against unpredictable swarm attacks.
The RCCTO (Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office) has recognized these advantages, leading to increased funding and development timelines for directed energy programs. I’ve noticed that military planners particularly value HPM systems because they can engage threats at multiple altitudes and ranges without creating debris fields that might endanger nearby aircraft or personnel.
Epirus continues to lead this technological race, founded in 2018 by Joe Lonsdale and Grant Verstandig with a clear vision for next-generation counter-UAS solutions. Under CEO Andy Lowery’s leadership, the company has specialized exclusively in advanced directed energy systems, avoiding the diversification that sometimes dilutes other defense contractors’ focus. This specialization has paid dividends, as evidenced by the Leonidas system’s recent field demonstration.
The counter-UAS industry now faces a critical juncture where performance metrics matter more than theoretical capabilities. While competitors develop their own systems, Epirus has already proven its technology in real-world conditions. The company’s focus on high-power microwave solutions positions it well against emerging threats, particularly as drone technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible to hostile actors.
I expect this competition to drive rapid improvements across all platforms, benefiting military end-users who need reliable protection against evolving aerial threats. The race between THOR, Mjolnir, Titan, and Leonidas will likely produce multiple viable solutions, each optimized for different operational scenarios and threat environments. However, the early success of microwave-based systems suggests that directed energy approaches will dominate future counter-drone strategies, much like how revolutionary transportation technologies eventually reshape entire industries.
Military procurement decisions in the coming years will determine which systems receive widespread deployment, but the fundamental shift toward directed energy solutions appears irreversible. HPM technology offers the speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness that traditional kinetic and laser systems struggle to match, particularly against the swarm threats that military planners consider most dangerous.
Sources:
NextGen Defense – 49 Drones Gone in Seconds: US Army’s Microwave Weapon Downs
Air & Space Forces Magazine – Air Force Could Test New Counter-Drone Weapons Next Year
U.S. Army – US Army, Philippine Air Force Test Counter-Drone Systems at Balikatan 2025
DroneLife – Microwave Counter-Drone System
The Defense Post – US Microwave Weapon Destroys 49 Drones in Seconds
Epirus – Epirus Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone Swarm
Militarnyi – Leonidas: New U.S. Microwave Weapon Instantly Destroys 49 Drones
