One Shot, 100 Kills! The New U.S. Weapon That ‘Fries’ Drone Swarms In Seconds
How do you destroy thousands of cheap incoming drones with multi-million dollar missiles? You don't, at least not for long. Here's the solution.
NOTE: Wonder why President Trump is suddenly so insistent on mobile Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)? This is just one part of why. — RDM
by Air Marshal Anil Khosla
July 16, 2025
Epirus Inc., a defense technology start-up based in Torrance, California, has unveiled the Leonidas system, a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms.
This innovative system emits electromagnetic pulses to disable drones individually or across a broad area, offering a scalable solution to counter drone threats.
The Leonidas system has been likened to a “Star Trek-style” shield due to its ability to disable or destroy drones within seconds. Beyond its counter-drone capabilities, the Leonidas system’s versatility allows it to disable electronics in ground vehicles and sea vessels, demonstrating its potential across various defenses.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have emerged as a significant and multifaceted threat.
Due to their high operational costs and limited ammunition capacity, traditional defense mechanisms, such as missiles or even anti-aircraft guns, struggle to keep pace with these agile, numerous, and often low-cost adversaries.
The Leonidas system addresses these challenges through directed energy technology, allowing for rapid, reusable, and cost-effective simultaneous engagement of multiple threats.
Named after the legendary Spartan king who famously stood against overwhelming odds at Thermopylae, the Leonidas system embodies a bold and forward-thinking approach to defense.
Leveraging cutting-edge HPM technology, it offers a non-kinetic alternative to conventional systems, addressing one of the 21st Century’s most pressing economic and defense challenges.