High-Power Microwave System Downs 49 Drones In One Shot

The rapid rise of drone warfare has forced militaries to rethink both offensive and defensive strategies. In this evolving battlefield, U.S. defense technology company Epirus is positioning itself at the forefront with its advanced electronic warfare system, Leonidas. Recently, the company showcased the latest version of its high-power microwave (HPM) weapon in Indiana, delivering a striking demonstration of its anti-drone capabilities.

At the Camp Atterbury live-fire event, Epirus’ Leonidas system successfully neutralized a full swarm of 61 drones, achieving a flawless score “61 drones went up and 61 went down,” declared CEO Andy Lowery. In a particularly impressive display, Leonidas managed to bring down 49 drones in a single pulse of its HPM beam.

The company emphasizes that the system “delivers weaponized electromagnetic interference to counter swarms of robotic, asymmetric threats,” a claim backed by its performance during the trial. Development of Leonidas began in 2022, and the current version is said to offer “more than double the operational range and lethality” compared to its earlier models.

Following the event, Lowery described the results as a “watershed moment” for Epirus, further asserting that “Leonidas is the only mission-capable, counter-swarm solution for the one-to-many fight.”

Beyond the headline drone takedown, Epirus also demonstrated advanced tactical functions. These included multi-angle swarm engagement—where Leonidas handled groups of drones approaching from different directions as well as precision targeting that allowed operators to disable selected drones while sparing others. In one scenario, the system downed a drone and ensured it landed safely in a “software-defined, pre-identified safe zone.”

The demonstration attracted high-level interest, with attendees from the U.S. Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and officials representing nine allied nations.