Epirus Wins $43.5 Million U.S. Army Deal to Deliver Next-Gen Leonidas High-Power Microwave System

Epirus has been awarded a $43.5 million contract by the U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to deliver its Leonidas Generation II High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems, officially known as Integrated Fires Protection Capability-High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM GEN II).

Under this contract, Epirus will provide two GEN II HPM systems, along with test events, support equipment, spare parts, and options for additional components and support in the future.

These next-generation systems are an upgrade to the four original IFPC-HPM units that Epirus delivered in May 2024. At the heart of these systems is Epirus’ internally developed solid-state HPM technology, which uses electromagnetic pulses to disable or destroy enemy electronics, especially drones and unmanned systems. This makes them a powerful tool for critical asset protection and counter-electronics missions.

The GEN II systems have been significantly enhanced based on feedback from rigorous testing of the first-generation systems, which underwent developmental trials, joint air and missile defense exercises, and field assessments. These improvements are expected to boost battlefield performance, reliability, and effectiveness.

Key upgrades in the Leonidas GEN II system include:

• More than double the effective range of the earlier models.

• 30% increase in power output, enabling stronger energy blasts.

• High-density batteries for longer operating time and reduced dependence on external power.

• Extra-long pulse widths to maximize energy delivery to targets.

• High-duty burst mode for quicker response to multiple threats.

• Advanced waveform and polarization techniques to expand the type of targets it can neutralize.

• Improved user interface for easier handling by soldiers in real-world operations.

These advancements are part of the Army’s broader effort to strengthen directed energy capabilities under the Army Transformation Initiative—a push to equip forces with advanced, non-kinetic weapons to counter evolving threats, especially from drone swarms.

Epirus CEO Andy Lowery said, “Our first IFPC-HPM prototypes were put through the wringer and emerged from sophisticated testing with favorable outcomes… the second generation will be even more powerful, more mission capable and more impressive all around.”

He also highlighted the urgency of drone defense, adding, “Drones are everywhere—over U.S. bases, over the southern border, and dominating foreign conflicts. Epirus is ready to help the Army scale up and defeat these asymmetric threats with our cutting-edge HPM tech.”

The Leonidas system, central to Epirus’ innovation, represents a leap forward in energy-based defense—capable of neutralizing multiple targets at once without ammunition, making it a cost-effective and reliable solution against emerging aerial threats.