Epirus Unveils Next-Gen Directed Energy Breakthrough in Counter-Drone Defense

In a pivotal move reshaping counter-drone defense, Epirus has delivered a prototype high-power microwave weapon to the U.S. Navy, signaling a critical leap in electromagnetic threat mitigation.

Epirus, a defense technology company specializing in electromagnetic systems, has delivered a prototype high-power microwave (HPM) energy weapon to the U.S. Navy, marking a significant step in counter-swarm defense capabilities. Designed to neutralize multiple unmanned aerial systems (UAS) simultaneously, the system uses directed energy rather than kinetic projectiles to disrupt hostile drone swarms—a threat vector rapidly expanding across military and industrial domains. This latest advancement is more than a milestone in directed energy weapons; it represents a shift toward scalable automation in battlefield and perimeter defense systems. The prototype is part of a Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) initiative to test modular, software-defined electromagnetic pulse technologies. Built for flexibility, the system can be integrated onto existing platforms without requiring large-scale overhauls, offering a plug-and-operate advantage for fleet modernization.

Epirus’ offering—developed under tight timelines—integrates AI-driven targeting with pulse delivery to detect and disable electronic systems at standoff ranges. For stakeholders in defense manufacturing and industrial automation, this signals a convergence of digital control systems and non-kinetic warfare tools. As traditional anti-air countermeasures struggle with cost-per-shot limitations, this model delivers high-volume engagement potential with lower logistical footprint.

Beyond military use, the implications extend to infrastructure protection in energy, transportation, and telecommunications sectors. With drone incursions posing growing risks to critical infrastructure, automation-enabled HPM systems may soon find roles in private-sector security frameworks. As industrial automation continues evolving into defense-adjacent applications, Epirus’ deployment marks a new phase in energy-based threat deterrence—one that underscores speed, precision, and adaptive integration as core to future-facing national defense strategies.