**Breaking News: US Army Unveils LEONIDAS – A Game-Changer Against Drone Swarms**

In a groundbreaking move, the US Army has acquired two cutting-edge microwave weapons, dubbed LEONIDAS, designed to neutralize drone swarms with unprecedented efficiency. This $20 million system, developed by Epis, is set to revolutionize battlefield tactics as it prepares for rigorous testing under the Army’s rapid capabilities and critical technologies office.

LEONIDAS, a solid-state long pulse microwave weapon, promises to obliterate entire drone swarms with a single, powerful “zap.” As adversaries increasingly deploy swarms of small drones, this technology could spell doom for those relying on aerial tactics. The Army is scheduled to receive the second-generation LEONIDAS later this year, following successful tests of its predecessor across various military branches, including deployments in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Officially known as the Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Power Microwave (IFPC HPM) system, LEONIDAS utilizes gallium nitride transistors to create an electromagnetic interference field, effectively shutting down or destroying drones without the need for direct targeting. This capability extends even to sophisticated autonomous drones and jet-powered missiles, marking a significant leap from previous EMP-style weapons.

The system operates within a tactical range, creating a protective dome that can scale in power through modular amplifiers, making it adaptable for various military applications. With a continuous power supply from a 70 kW generator or a battery backup lasting up to 30 minutes, LEONIDAS is poised to become an essential component of the US military’s layered air defense strategy.

As the Army gears up for testing, the stakes are high. The outcome could redefine the landscape of drone warfare, positioning LEONIDAS as a formidable force against aerial threats. Stay tuned as we follow this developing story, which could alter the future of military engagements around the globe.