U.S. Army Receives Drone-Frying Weapons in $66M Deal

New Weapons to Combat Drone Threats
The U.S. Army has acquired four cutting-edge drone-frying prototype weapons from defense contractor Epirus, part of a $66 million rapid acquisition effort, reports Axios. These high-tech systems, known as Leonidas, are designed to protect against the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a concern heightened by their use in 乌克兰 和 Middle East.
Understanding the Leonidas System
Leonidas operates by emitting powerful waves of energy that disable drone electronics, causing them to crash. This technology can be mounted on various platforms, including manned and unmanned machinery, such as Stryker combat vehicles or drones. The versatility of Leonidas makes it a crucial tool for modern warfare.
The Pentagon’s Directed-Energy Efforts
For decades, the U.S. military has sought practical directed-energy weapons. Despite significant investment, widespread adoption remains elusive. The Pentagon allocates approximately $1 billion annually to directed-energy development, with over 30 initiatives currently in progress. The Army leads nine of these projects, reflecting the military’s commitment to advancing this technology.
Recent Developments and Capabilities
Epirus delivered the first Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) prototype in November 2023, followed by three more by March. The IFPC initiative aims to protect sites from drones, rockets, artillery, mortars, and cruise missiles. Early soldier training and engineering assessments have demonstrated the viability of high-power microwaves against drones and larger swarms.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Navy leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of powerful lasers and microwaves in critical areas like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi rebels disrupt military and commercial vessels. The data collected from the initial tests of the Leonidas system will inform future funding and deployment decisions, potentially shaping the future of drone defense.
DroneXL’s Take
The deployment of the Leonidas system marks a significant step forward in drone defense technology. As drone threats continue to evolve, the military’s investment in directed-energy weapons like Leonidas demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding assets and personnel. This innovative technology not only enhances current defense capabilities but also paves the way for future advancements in the field.
了解 DroneXL.co 的更多信息
订阅后即可通过电子邮件收到最新文章。
发出你的声音
拟议的立法威胁到您使用无人机娱乐、工作和安全的能力。无人机 无人机宣传联盟 加入我们,告诉您的民选官员保护您的飞行权利。
获取第 107 部分证书
Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the 试点研究所.我们已帮助数千人成为飞机和商用无人机飞行员。我们的课程由行业专家设计,帮助您通过 FAA 考试,实现梦想。

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please 联系我们 first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the 无人机宣传联盟. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.
美国联邦贸易委员会:DroneXL.co 是亚马逊联营公司,使用联营链接可从符合条件的购买中获得收入。我们不会出售、分享、出租或向您发送垃圾邮件。