The Dawn of a Microwave War: The US Unveils Leonidas, a 10-Ton Robotic Combatant Armed with High-Power Microwave
American defense tech firm Epirus, in collaboration with General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), has unveiled Leonidas, a combat robotic system armed with a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon. The goal is to counter evolving battlefield threats, especially the rapid spread of unmanned aerial systems (drones). The system pairs the GDLS-made Tracked Robot 10-ton (TRX) with Epirus's microwave weapon to create a mobile, automated shield against drone swarms.
In This Article:
A Hybrid Automaton: The TRX Hull and the Microwave Core
At its core, Leonidas combines a mobile autonomous platform—the TRX tracked robot from GDLS—with Epirus's HPM device. This pairing creates a new mobile defense against mass drone attacks. The design emphasizes rapid deployment and easy integration into existing forces.
How Leonidas Destroys Drones: The Microwave Kill Chain
Leonidas uses a powerful microwave device that emits high-frequency pulses to disable drones’ onboard electronics. The effect is nearly instantaneous and can target numerous drones within a short period. The system’s precision minimizes the risk to friendly assets or critical infrastructure.
Specs, Autonomy, and Mobility
The robot is powered by a strong hybrid-electric engine, enabling autonomous travel up to 480 kilometers and a top speed of 72 km/h. Artificial intelligence supports both autonomous operation and remote control by an operator. The system can be easily integrated into contemporary battle formations, improving personnel safety and the effectiveness of counter-drone operations.
Why This Matters: A New Tool Against Drone Swarms
Microwave weapons represent a different approach to air defense—rapid, scalable, and capable of sweeping multiple targets in moments. This makes Leonidas particularly suited to neutralize large groups of small drones, a growing challenge in modern conflicts. The deployment of such systems also invites discussion about safety, escalation, and ethical use of emerging electromagnetic weapons.
