Epirus’ Leonidas technology uses a high-powered microwave to take down UAVs from afar.

A defense technology startup, Epirus, has introduced a groundbreaking "Star Trek-style" laser shield designed to destroy or disable drones in seconds. The system, known as Leonidas, uses a high-powered microwave to target swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision threats from significant distances.

Based in Torrance, California, Epirus recently secured $250 million in Series D funding, raising its total venture capital to over $550 million, according to Reuters. This investment comes amid rising global demand for advanced weaponry, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the increasing threat posed by drone warfare.

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The funding round, co-led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, also saw participation from General Dynamics' Land Systems division, reflecting strong industry interest in Epirus' anti-drone technology. The company plans to use the funds to strengthen its supply chain, expand into international and commercial markets, and open a new counter-drone training center in Oklahoma.

The "Star Trek Shield"

Leonidas is a ground-based directed energy weapon that fires electromagnetic pulses to neutralize drones. Epirus founder Joe Lonsdale likens it to a "Star Trek shield," highlighting its ability to disable threats from afar.

With drone swarms becoming a key tactic in modern conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Leonidas addresses the limitations of conventional systems, which typically target individual UAVs but are ineffective in the case of large-scale drone attacks.

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Epirus CEO Andy Lowery suggests that Leonidas could shift military strategy from a "1-to-1" approach to a scalable "1-to-many" model. Lonsdale believes the technology could eventually be adapted to protect satellites or even disable planes in mid-air.

U.S. military testing counter-drone technology

Epirus' Leonidas system is already being tested by the U.S. Army, following a $66 million contract in 2023, and has been deployed in the Middle East. It is believed to be under evaluation by U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the region.

Epirus works both on military and civilian uses of Leonidas, which could be deployed to bases, military airfields, civilian airports, stadiums, and refineries. It also explores extending the system for JLTVs, Strykers, Abrams tanks, and C-17 transports.

As drone technology continues to evolve, companies like Epirus are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions. With their advanced laser and microwave systems, the future of drone defense may be entering a new era.

In animation, Leonidas looks formidable. 

VIDEO 1 (Epirus) 

VIDEO 2 (Epirus)

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