How Epirus Plans to Revolutionize Drone Swarm Defense with Leonidas High-Power Microwave System
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Epirus has successfully raised $250 million in an oversubscribed Series D funding round, bringing its total funding to over $550 million. This investment is set to accelerate the production of its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) system, designed to counter electronic threats, including drones and drone swarms. This advanced technology, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, offers a modern approach to electronic warfare, capable of neutralizing multiple threats simultaneously with a single operator.
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Epirus specializes in developing advanced high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare, with a focus on counter-drone and counter-electronics applications (Picture source: Epirus)
The funding round was led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, with participation from returning investors such as StepStone Group, T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Gaingels, and strategic defense partner General Dynamics Land Systems. New investors, including Oppenheimer’s Private Market Opportunities Vista VI Fund, NightDragon, Manhattan Venture Partners, and Centaurus Capital LP, also contributed, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s technological capabilities and market potential.
Epirus specializes in developing advanced high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare, with a focus on counter-drone and counter electronics applications. The company’s flagship technology, Leonidas, is a solid-state, software-defined, long-pulse HPM system that delivers precise and scalable counter-swarm effects. Unlike traditional HPM solutions, Leonidas is designed to be compact, modular, and highly maneuverable, allowing rapid deployment across a range of platforms, from ground-based installations to airborne systems. Its open architecture enables seamless integration with command-and-control networks, ensuring compatibility with existing defense infrastructure.
The Leonidas product family includes several configurations tailored to diverse operational needs. The standard Leonidas system offers a stationary counter-electronics solution, while Leonidas Mobile enhances maneuverability by integrating onto various military vehicles, providing counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities for mobile forces. Leonidas Pod, designed for airborne applications, incorporates long-pulse HPM technology in a lightweight form factor, making it adaptable for use on aircraft and other defense platforms. With its validated performance in Department of Defense testing and its selection for the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) initiative, Epirus is positioned as a leading innovator in next-generation electronic warfare solutions.
According to Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus, the increasing complexity of modern threats necessitates a transition from a “one-to-one” engagement approach to a “one-to-many” strategy for short-range air defense. The latest funding round will expand production capabilities and support the deployment of Leonidas across multiple defense applications. Joe Lonsdale, founder of 8VC, emphasized the strategic significance of this technology, describing Epirus’ directed energy system as the most effective countermeasure against drone swarms, with future potential extending to aircraft, ships, satellites, and space-based platforms.
General Dynamics Land Systems, a key partner in Epirus’ development efforts, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing high-power microwave solutions for military applications. Its president, Dave Paddock, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in integrating Leonidas technology with existing military defense systems, enhancing their effectiveness against evolving threats.
Beyond its military applications, Epirus envisions Leonidas playing a vital role in layered defense systems, protecting critical infrastructure such as military bases, borders, airports, and power plants. The company is also exploring its integration into next-generation military vehicles, aerial platforms, and helicopters, ensuring adaptability to a wide range of operational environments.
As part of its expansion, Epirus plans to open a state-of-the-art simulation center in Oklahoma in the third quarter of 2025. This facility will provide an immersive training environment, featuring surround sound audio, tiered seating, and agile training modules, allowing operators to develop expertise in deploying and managing the Leonidas system effectively.
Based in Torrance, California, Epirus is among a select group of technology companies actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Defense in developing cutting-edge capabilities. Since its founding in 2018, the company has prioritized internal research and development, adopting a human-centered design approach and an agile, scalable manufacturing process. Its first major contract with the U.S. Army resulted in prototype deliveries within nine months, demonstrating a capacity for rapid innovation and deployment.
Epirus is now focused on expanding its research, innovation, and production capabilities within the U.S. The latest funding round will allow the company to attract top industry talent, reinforce supply chain resilience, modernize internal systems, and broaden its reach into international and commercial markets. By advancing its role in directed energy defense technology, Epirus continues to address the evolving challenges of national security and modern warfare.
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Epirus has successfully raised $250 million in an oversubscribed Series D funding round, bringing its total funding to over $550 million. This investment is set to accelerate the production of its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) system, designed to counter electronic threats, including drones and drone swarms. This advanced technology, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, offers a modern approach to electronic warfare, capable of neutralizing multiple threats simultaneously with a single operator.
Epirus specializes in developing advanced high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare, with a focus on counter-drone and counter-electronics applications (Picture source: Epirus)
The funding round was led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, with participation from returning investors such as StepStone Group, T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Gaingels, and strategic defense partner General Dynamics Land Systems. New investors, including Oppenheimer’s Private Market Opportunities Vista VI Fund, NightDragon, Manhattan Venture Partners, and Centaurus Capital LP, also contributed, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s technological capabilities and market potential.
Epirus specializes in developing advanced high-power microwave systems for electronic warfare, with a focus on counter-drone and counter electronics applications. The company’s flagship technology, Leonidas, is a solid-state, software-defined, long-pulse HPM system that delivers precise and scalable counter-swarm effects. Unlike traditional HPM solutions, Leonidas is designed to be compact, modular, and highly maneuverable, allowing rapid deployment across a range of platforms, from ground-based installations to airborne systems. Its open architecture enables seamless integration with command-and-control networks, ensuring compatibility with existing defense infrastructure.
The Leonidas product family includes several configurations tailored to diverse operational needs. The standard Leonidas system offers a stationary counter-electronics solution, while Leonidas Mobile enhances maneuverability by integrating onto various military vehicles, providing counter-UAS and counter-swarm capabilities for mobile forces. Leonidas Pod, designed for airborne applications, incorporates long-pulse HPM technology in a lightweight form factor, making it adaptable for use on aircraft and other defense platforms. With its validated performance in Department of Defense testing and its selection for the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) initiative, Epirus is positioned as a leading innovator in next-generation electronic warfare solutions.
According to Andy Lowery, CEO of Epirus, the increasing complexity of modern threats necessitates a transition from a “one-to-one” engagement approach to a “one-to-many” strategy for short-range air defense. The latest funding round will expand production capabilities and support the deployment of Leonidas across multiple defense applications. Joe Lonsdale, founder of 8VC, emphasized the strategic significance of this technology, describing Epirus’ directed energy system as the most effective countermeasure against drone swarms, with future potential extending to aircraft, ships, satellites, and space-based platforms.
General Dynamics Land Systems, a key partner in Epirus’ development efforts, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing high-power microwave solutions for military applications. Its president, Dave Paddock, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in integrating Leonidas technology with existing military defense systems, enhancing their effectiveness against evolving threats.
Beyond its military applications, Epirus envisions Leonidas playing a vital role in layered defense systems, protecting critical infrastructure such as military bases, borders, airports, and power plants. The company is also exploring its integration into next-generation military vehicles, aerial platforms, and helicopters, ensuring adaptability to a wide range of operational environments.
As part of its expansion, Epirus plans to open a state-of-the-art simulation center in Oklahoma in the third quarter of 2025. This facility will provide an immersive training environment, featuring surround sound audio, tiered seating, and agile training modules, allowing operators to develop expertise in deploying and managing the Leonidas system effectively.
Based in Torrance, California, Epirus is among a select group of technology companies actively engaged with the U.S. Department of Defense in developing cutting-edge capabilities. Since its founding in 2018, the company has prioritized internal research and development, adopting a human-centered design approach and an agile, scalable manufacturing process. Its first major contract with the U.S. Army resulted in prototype deliveries within nine months, demonstrating a capacity for rapid innovation and deployment.
Epirus is now focused on expanding its research, innovation, and production capabilities within the U.S. The latest funding round will allow the company to attract top industry talent, reinforce supply chain resilience, modernize internal systems, and broaden its reach into international and commercial markets. By advancing its role in directed energy defense technology, Epirus continues to address the evolving challenges of national security and modern warfare.
