high-powered microwaves Archives

U.S. Air Force Airmen attach balloons to a drone during at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s North Training Area, Wyoming, May 15, 2026. The balloons served as aerial targets, allowing defenders to simulate engagements against small unmanned aircraft systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael A. Richmond)

U.S. military to host directed energy ‘shoot-off’ amid governmentwide counter-drone push

Officials leading the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 shared new details about that pilot program and other updates on recent progress.

Aug 21, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A rendering of the Epirus HAVOC system. (Illustration courtesy of Epirus)

Marine Corps awards Epirus $11M for high-powered microwave program, company says

After Marine Corps testing, Epirus hopes the service will adopt HAVOC “more widespread” and has prepared its facilities for low-rate production amid business with the Army and…

Aug 10, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

Anthony Kavanaugh, left, a drone operator with a U.S. Army Unmanned Aerial Systems Mission Assurance team, operates a small-UAS while Ari Snipes, right, a drone operator with a U.S. Army UASMA team, prepares a s-UAS at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., April 23, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

Pentagon counter-drone task force announces pilot program to get directed energy systems to 5 installations

"There is no 'silver bullet' to address this challenge," said the task force director. "And this pilot program integrates cutting-edge technology into the department's broader counter-drone toolkit."

May 8, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

RFDEW demonstrator on truck. (Photo courtesy of U.K. MOD)

British troops test new drone swarm zapper

Trials have been underway for the “Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon."

Dec 23, 2024 By Jon Harper

Marines to get new drone-killing microwave weapon designed for expeditionary ops

The Leonidas Expeditionary system is being developed for the Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) initiative.

Sep 23, 2024 By Jon Harper

Navy to test Epirus high-power microwave’s ability to zap maritime drones

The sea service is gearing up Advanced Naval Technology Exercise Coastal Trident.

Apr 4, 2024 By Jon Harper

Leonidas high-power microwave system (Image courtesy of Epirus)

Army receives first Epirus-built drone zapper prototype

High-power microwaves are considered particularly advantageous for defeating drone swarms and small UAS such as quadcopters.

Nov 1, 2023 By Jon Harper

JCO to host counter-drone swarm technology demo in pursuit of new capabilities

Plans for the gathering come as the U.S. military, Ukraine and other forces have come under attack by groups of unmanned aerial systems. And the Pentagon is…

Aug 8, 2023 By Jon Harper

DOD tests airborne microwave weapon’s ability to defeat kamikaze drones

Lockheed Martin's MORFIUS system can fly close to small drones and attack them with high-powered microwave pulses.

Jul 13, 2023 By Jon Harper

Army awards $66M contract to Epirus for microwave weapon that can zap enemy drones

The Leonidas system will support the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave Program.

Jan 23, 2023 By Jon Harper