In a display of speed and precision rather than raw firepower, Epirus Leonidas demonstrated a counter-UAS capability at Camp Atterbury that stunned observers: a single microwave pulse disabled a swarm of drones, including a 49-drone group. The event underscored a growing shift from traditional kinetic interceptors to software-driven, directed-energy solutions that can scale to swarm threats while reducing collateral risk. This is not a one-off trick but a signal of how layered defenses are evolving to meet increasingly affordable drone fleets entering airspaces worldwide.

Epirus attributes its Leonidas system to a family of directed-energy weapons that use long-pulse microwave beams to disrupt or disable lightweight drones. A key improvement over earlier iterations is the integration of Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, which deliver higher efficiency, better durability, and greater mobility than magnetron-based designs. Practically speaking, GaN enables a smaller, more field-ready platform that can be mounted on vehicles or set up as a rapid-response defender. Software controls tailor the waveform for each drone type and flight profile, boosting effectiveness and reducing the likelihood of unintended damage to people nearby.

Speaking to New Atlas, Epirus CEO Andy Lowery framed the breakthrough as a milestone for one-to-many counter-swarm operations: “This is a watershed moment for Epirus. We believe showcasing our weaponized electromagnetic interference is the most effective way to communicate that Leonidas is the only mission-capable, counter-swarm solution for the one-to-many fight. Those who joined us witnessed this first-hand as 61 drones went up – and 61 went down.” The demo at Camp Atterbury reportedly involved 61 drones, with the system handling multiple ingress directions and a final demonstration where a large swarm was neutralized in a single pulse, underscoring the potential to jam or blind electronics across a broad area rather than disable individual targets one by one.

Analysts say the Camp Atterbury test signals a broader industry pivot toward scalable, software-enabled counter-UAS tools that can adapt to evolving drone tactics. The Leonidas approach concentrates on electromagnetic interference rather than kinetic destruction, which can shorten reaction times, limit collateral damage, and simplify integration into existing defense architectures. For civil operators and security teams alike, the demonstration demonstrates the practical upside of a robust, one-to-many defense layer in high-traffic airspace.

How Leonidas Works

At its core, Leonidas emits long-pulse microwave beams that interact with the drone’s electronics, effectively overwhelming flight controls and communications. The leap forward comes from GaN semiconductors, which enable higher power density and cooler operation than the vacuum-tube era designs. The software-driven waveform means operators can adapt the pulse to different drone models and swarm configurations, optimizing effectiveness while maintaining a safety margin for bystanders and non-target aircraft. In essence, the system blends physics with smart software to broaden the defender arsenal beyond single-target jamming.

Operational and Market Implications

The Indiana demonstration arrives as agencies worldwide reassess how to defend critical infrastructure, events, and urban airspace from inexpensive, proliferating UAS. Regulatory clarity on electromagnetic interference and safety is evolving, but the market is already rewarding compact, mobile, and networked counter-UAS platforms. Leonidas’ ability to shake off swarms with a single pulse points toward a future where a handful of directed-energy assets can cover large zones and coordinate with other sensors and interceptors in a layered defense. For operators, the takeaway is clear: prioritizing software updates, waveform libraries, and cross-domain integration will be as important as hardware resilience.

Conclusion

As drones become more capable and affordable, the need for flexible, scalable defense tools grows. Epirus’ Leonidas demonstration in Indiana illustrates a key trend: directed-energy counter-UAS is moving from lab proofs to real-world deployments with swarm defense as a core capability. Policymakers and operators alike should watch how EMI-based tools evolve within regulatory frameworks and airspace standards. The shift toward one-to-many, software-driven defense signals a new era in airspace security that prioritizes speed, scalability, and safety at the same time.