Leonidas: New U.S. Microwave Weapon Instantly Destroys 49 Drones

American company Epirus recently presented its Leonidas high-power microwave system (IFPC-HPM), specifically designed to neutralize drones.

According to Axios, whose journalists were the sole media representatives at the tests, the system successfully disabled 49 quadcopters simultaneously – the largest swarm Leonidas has ever encountered. Upon activation, all the drones dropped almost instantly.

The system is already in service with the U.S. Army. One of the contracts for its procurement was signed on July 17, 2025, for the amount of $43.55 million.

The microwave weapon is built on an architecture developed by Epirus as an effective means to counter mass drone attacks and protect critical infrastructure.

According to the manufacturer, the second-generation systems (Generation II) significantly outperform their predecessors: the effective combat range has more than doubled – up to 2 km – and power output has increased by approximately 30%. Thanks to built-in batteries, the system can operate autonomously for up to 30 minutes without external power.

In May 2024, Epirus delivered four IFPC-HPM I systems to the U.S. Army. They underwent extensive testing, including joint exercises with air defense forces and operational units.

It is reported that such systems are in service with the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF). The system was also used during U.S. military exercises in the Philippines in May 2025.

Leonidas (IFPC-HPM)

IFPC-HPM (Integrated Fires Protection Capability – High-Powered Microwave) is a component of the U.S. Army’s layered defense architecture designed to protect against aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and artillery shells.

Unlike traditional air defense systems that destroy targets through kinetic impact, the IFPC-HPM uses concentrated microwave pulses to disable the electronics of enemy weaponry.

The development of the system is part of a broader U.S. Army modernization program focused on creating effective solutions to counter drone swarms and advanced aerial threats.

The IFPC-HPM integrates with other sensors and command-and-control elements, enabling it to operate as part of a combat network and receive real-time targeting data.

A key advantage of this weapon is its ability to be reused multiple times without consumables, making it especially attractive for prolonged combat operations or the protection of strategic facilities.

Meanwhile, the system has certain limitations, including its dependence on weather conditions and the requirement for a direct line of sight to the target.

Read more about microwave weapons in the fight against drones in the article:

Microwave Weapons and Lasers Against Drones