US: World’s first microwave-armed robot zaps drone swarms in seconds

The United States defense firms Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have jointly unveiled the world’s first autonomous robotic system armed with high-power microwave (HPM) technology designed to counter drone swarms rapidly and precisely. Named the Leonidas Autonomous Robotic (Leonidas AR), the system integrates Epirus’ Leonidas HPM weapon with GDLS’s 10-ton hybrid-electric tracked unmanned ground vehicle (TRX). This mobile platform can disable multiple hostile drones simultaneously within seconds by emitting bursts of weaponized electromagnetic interference, offering a “one-to-many engagement capability” that minimizes collateral damage compared to conventional kinetic air-defense methods. The Leonidas AR system is software-defined, allowing operators to adjust output frequencies, create safe zones, and update performance remotely, enhancing adaptability across diverse mission requirements. The TRX vehicle provides robust mobility and autonomy, capable of traveling over 300 miles on a single charge at speeds up to 45 mph, with all-terrain capability and 360-degree radar sensing