Powerful New US Microwave Weapon Fries Drone Swarms And Boats In A Single Blast

Epirus introduced Leonidas H2O, which represents a high-energy microwave (HPM) weapon system that can disable drone swarms and small boats using a single electromagnetic pulse. The weapon system underwent testing under the US Navy’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise—Coastal Trident (ANTX-CT) program, where it demonstrated successful motor and unmanned system disabling capabilities with non-kinetic energy at unprecedented ranges.

The HPM platform from Epirus enabled Leonidas H2O to disable four commercial boat engines (40–90 horsepower) at different ranges while operating at half its maximum power capacity. The Department of Defense achieved a significant breakthrough with this system because it delivered an effective non-kinetic countermeasure against unmanned threats, which they had been searching for over time.

Leonidas operates with non-ionizing radiation to protect personnel and ordnance as well as fuel while disabling electronic systems. The system operates with open architecture and unlimited magazine capacity, which enables it to maintain continuous engagement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surface vehicles (USVs), including drone swarm attacks. Epirus declares that their technology successfully defeats multiple groups of Group 1-2 UAS during extended operations.

The core of Epirus’ defensive system consists of solid-state Line Replaceable Amplifier Modules (LRAMs) that provide modular capabilities and high scalability together with operational resilience. LRAMs surpass traditional vacuum-tube systems because they use modular design to prevent system shutdowns while enabling performance degradation.

Epirus CEO Andy Lowery declares that this tested technology addresses an essential operational deficiency. Brendan Applegate from the Navy’s ANTX-Coastal Trident program, as principal investigator, commended the company’s work because it supports national security technology development.

Epirus keeps Leonidas at the forefront of defense capabilities by offering an effective electronic warfare solution that combines high-impact capabilities with energy efficiency for current deployment needs.