Single and swarm killer drones pose a major challenge in the current and future battlefields. The US is gearing up to meet this drone challenge with a high-powered microwave weapon. This weapon has the accuracy to destroy swarms of drones in one shot without even a scratch on its own fighters.
The US military’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has awarded a $66.1 million contract to Epirus to build the weapon. The microwave weapon is named Leonidas.
Epirus has decided to deliver test versions of Leonidas this year. “Our current air defense systems are often not capable of effectively countering swarms of drones. Epirus CEO Ken Bedingfield said this new deal aims to address that US shortfall.
Leonidas has already proven itself to be effective against many types of drones. Leonidas excelled by defeating six similar weapons. Epirus last publicly tested Leonidas in April 2022.
Leonidas works with the help of software. The powerful microwave weapon can also be updated via software if needed. Weapons like the Leonidas will be critical to the U.S. military’s modernization efforts and future challenges.