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⚡ Epirus Leonidas Microwave System Defeats 49-Drone Swarm
In a live-fire demo, Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave system defeated 61 drones across five scenarios, including a 49-drone swarm neutralized with a single electromagnetic pulse.
Dallas Hartley
September 15, 2025
📬 In Today’s Defense Brief
🌏 U.S., South Korea & Japan Launch Joint Air and Naval Exercise Read More
🚢 U.S. Backs Philippines Against China’s South China Sea Expansion Read More
🚁 U.S. Army Tests Drone Boats and New Landing Craft in Pacific Read More
✈️ Startup Plans Autonomous Airlifter for USAF by 2028 Read More
⚡ Epirus Leonidas Microwave System Defeats 49-Drone Swarm Read More
🎱 Plus 10 other news stories you may like
📰 Full Breakdown
🌏 U.S., South Korea & Japan Launch Joint Air and Naval Exercise Read More
The U.S., South Korea, and Japan began Exercise Freedom Edge off Jeju Island, running through Friday, to strengthen joint operational capabilities across sea, air, and cyberspace. The drill includes missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, medical evacuations, and maritime operations.
Officials described it as the “most advanced demonstration of trilateral defense cooperation to date.” North Korea condemned the drills, with Kim Yo Jong calling them a “reckless show of strength” that would “bring bad results.”
North Korea has rejected negotiation offers and instead pursued closer ties with Russia and China. Kim Jong Un has supplied weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine and recently appeared with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in China.
🚢 U.S. Backs Philippines Against China’s South China Sea Expansion Read More
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced China’s plan to designate Scarborough Reef as a “nature preserve,” calling it a coercive attempt to advance unlawful maritime claims. He said the move undermines regional stability and violates the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling.
Filipino fishermen fear Beijing’s designation will limit access to the atoll, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but has been under Chinese control since 2012. Chinese vessels maintain constant presence there.
The Philippines reported sailing with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Japan’s navy near Zambales province, about 120 nautical miles from the shoal. Chinese state media separately claimed Manila held a “joint patrol” with unnamed external partners.
🚁 U.S. Army Tests Drone Boats and New Landing Craft in Pacific Read More
At Pearl Harbor, the Army’s xTech contest tested ten companies’ technologies, including robot boats, counter-drone systems, and a prototype logistics vessel, MSV(L)-01, carrying Strykers on deck. The goal is to address Indo-Pacific logistics challenges.
Experiments involved protecting the MSV(L) with autonomous boats, while inland trials at Schofield Barracks focused on counter-UAV and unexploded ordnance technologies. Three winners will receive $35,000 prizes and potential follow-on contracts.
Army officials emphasized the contest as a way to bring in new industry partners, many new to DoD, and provide direct feedback from soldiers. Leaders highlighted the importance of fielding innovative tech quickly to frontline units.
✈️ Startup Plans Autonomous Airlifter for USAF by 2028 Read More
Arlington-based startup Atropos Group unveiled the Tacit Spear, a large autonomous airlifter concept designed to carry 20,000 lbs., three 463L pallets, or munitions over a 2,500 nm range, and operate from 5,000 ft. unimproved airstrips. First flight is targeted within three years.
The design emphasizes versatility, survivability in contested airspace, and private financing, with 80% of funds to come from investors. Atropos has raised $6M pre-seed and is targeting DoD RDT&E for the remaining development costs.
Inspired by wargames showing gaps in resupplying forward Pacific bases, Tacit Spear aims to support CCA logistics and contested resupply missions. The company plans to certify dual-use variants and eventually offer the aircraft to the Pentagon “as a service.”
⚡ Epirus Leonidas Microwave System Defeats 49-Drone Swarm Read More
In a live-fire demo at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave system defeated 61 drones across five scenarios, including a 49-drone swarm neutralized with a single electromagnetic pulse. The system showed selective targeting, multi-angle engagement, and one-to-many defeat capability.
Leonidas demonstrated precision control, including the ability to drop drones within pre-identified safe zones, highlighting its low-collateral application. The system can selectively disable chosen targets while leaving others unaffected.
Epirus executives said the event proved Leonidas is the only mission-capable counter-swarm solution for the “one-to-many fight.” The demo was attended by DoD officials, U.S. government agencies, and representatives from nine allied nations.
🌏 Other Important News
✈️ Air
🚢 Sea
NATO Launches ‘Eastern Sentry’ After Russian Drone Incursion Read More
🛰️ Space
🛡️ Land
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