High-Power Microwave Weapon Downs 49 Drones in One Shot — The New Frontier of Electromagnetic Warfare

One Shot, 49 Drones Down: The Rise of High-Power Microwave Warfare

Epirus’ Leonidas HPM weapon disabled 61 drones in a trial, including 49 in a single pulse. This isn’t sci-fi — it’s the future of counter-swarm warfare, and it forces rethinking of drone defense architectures.

The event and the claim

At a live-fire test in Indiana, defense contractor Epirus demonstrated its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) system. In one pulse, it reportedly neutralized 49 drones; across the session, it took down 61 of 61. Epirus claims Leonidas is now the only mission-capable counter-swarm solution for one-to-many engagements. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How HPM kills drones (without bullets)

Electromagnetic interference: High-power microwaves induce voltage/current spikes in wiring, damaging electronics or disrupting control systems.
Soft-kill or hard-kill: Some drones may reboot or recover, others may permanently damage circuits; the line is in power level and exposure time.
Target selectivity: Leonidas demonstrated ability to disable chosen drones while sparing others — critical for complex or mixed formations.

Technical limits and real-world constraints

Range versus power drop-off: Microwave energy attenuates rapidly over distance; beam shaping and efficiency are key.
Collateral effects: Nearby electronics or friendly assets may suffer interference; shielding and careful beam control are needed.
Weather and environment: Rain, dust, reflections, and obstructions can degrade microwave efficacy.
Power and platform: High peak power systems need large energy stores, cooling, and stable platforms — likely vehicle- or ship-mounted.

Strategic impact

Drone swarms are one of the most disruptive elements in modern conflict. Leonidas, and systems like it, shift the offense-defense balance: now a cheap drone wave must account for an unseen beam that can fry many aircraft in one go. That pressures adversaries to harden electronics, decentralize control, or adopt stealth tactics.

What to watch going forward

Instancing and testing in contested environments (urban, contested airspace).
Counter-counter measures: drone shielding, electronic redundancy, distributed swarm logic.
Deployment models: naval, airborne, fixed ground, or mobile truck platforms.

Conclusion

The Leonidas demonstration is a clear proof-of-concept signal: energy weapons are marching into real deployment. Drone builders, defense strategists, and electronics firms now must plan for beams, not just bullets.

Source: Tom’s Hardware