The US Army teamed up with the tech company
Epirus to test the cutting-edge Leonidas anti-aircraft system in the Nevada desert.
During the test, according to a statement from Epirus, successfully
shot down 6 unmanned aerial systems [UAS] using the silent high-power microwave [HPM] device,
Viewers may note that Epirus has introduced three different
versions of the Leonidas in less than two years.
Epirus CEO Andy Lowery stated, “We were able to demonstrate effects
that we haven’t done in this close to a real-world environment,
including coordinated fires for additional range and advanced waveforms for greater effectivity.”
Lowery further added that their evaluations of various systems
within a larger framework have clarified their capabilities, limitations, and requirements.
Importantly, he confirmed the effectiveness of their High Power Microwave systems in countering
drones and swarms, positioning them as a vital component of a multi-layered defense strategy.
Lots of data that has been collected during these tests will be crucial for the Army
Test and Evaluation Command and the U.S. Department of Defense.
In this video, Defense Updates reports on Leonidas microwave emitting anti-UAS system
Let's get into the details.
UAS or Drones are no longer just being used as harmless hobby systems or just for surveillance.
These are being employed as weapons to strike targets at long standoff ranges.
Drone technology has become very advanced and relatively cheap.
From conflicts in Syria, and Nagorno Karabakh to Ukraine, they are playing a key role.
It has become increasingly clear that a swarm of armed drones has the potential
to cause a lot of damage - we have witnessed that multi-million dollar
military assets like Main Battle Tanks have been disabled by inexpensive drones.
Currently, there are two ways to neutralize drones
1. Kinetic kill approach where the enemy drone is physically damaged. This can be
done by intercepting the drone with missiles, automated gun systems, and even other drones.
2. Non-kinetic kill approach where the drone is not hit physically with
a projectile. Leonidas fires powerful precisely directed
microwaves. When microwaves reach their target, they possess the unique ability to
induce currents in electronic circuits. This can result in malfunctions or even permanent damage
to electronic components, making microwave systems highly effective
against electronic devices and communication infrastructure. In addition to interfering
with electronics, powerful microwave beams can generate heat. This thermal effect can
cause physical damage to materials and structures, although this application is
less common compared to causing electronic disturbances. Microwave systems typically
require high-voltage sources to generate the necessary energy for the microwaves.
Leonidas is a cutting-edge solid-state, high-power microwave (HPM) system that
leverages gallium nitride [GaN] semiconductors to deliver exceptional anti-electron effects.
At the core of Leonidas lies the Epirus SmartPower system.
This innovation emerged from the need to develop a smaller yet equally powerful
and efficient HPM system compared to older models. Epirus claims to have
transformed HPM systems by shifting from analog to digital technology.
Beneath the surface of Leonidas are gallium-nitride-based linear switchable
amplifier modules (LRAMs) equipped with unique power management, control,
and amplification features. This LRAM design offers better flexibility, more reliability,
and distinct advantages over other HPM methods.
Each LRAM is built on the innovative Epirus SmartPower technology platform,
which integrates hardware, software,
and intelligent services to deliver superior power management. Thanks to SmartPower,
Leonidas can achieve the high power output required for HPM pulses without overheating.
Additionally, Leonidas features software-defined capabilities
that allow for highly complex and customizable waveforms. Being software-defined means Leonidas
can adjust its waveforms to target a single entity in confined spaces or cover broader
areas. This provides the operational flexibility to neutralize threats,
such as enemy drones near friendly assets or large swarms of drones, with the same system.
This variant can be integrated into any vehicle for mobile anti-UAS and anti-swarm capabilities.
Drone attacks are a rising concern, with the potential
to overwhelm traditional air defense systems.
Swarms of small, agile drones can be difficult to track and destroy with missiles or guns.
For example, on September 14, 2019, facilities of Saudi Arabia's oil company Aramco located
in the east of the country came under coordinated drone and missile attack.
Being facilities of very significant importance, they were protected by layered air defense -
Patriot PAC-2 surface-to-air missile batteries and short-range automatic gun systems. The Patriot air
defense failed to detect the incoming threats or was too late and the automatic gun systems fired
sporadically, but the threats were not taken down. The attack disrupted shipments of 5.7
million barrels of oil daily which is around 50% of Saudi Arabia’s output.
The economics of interception is also skewed
and could be easily assessed from the large-scale April attack on Israel.
The United States reported neutralizing over 80 drones and at least 6 ballistic missiles launched
from both Iran and Yemen, where the Houthis, a militant group backed by Tehran, operate from.
The operation, lasting only a few hours, came with significant financial implications.
Some missiles like Israeli Arrow 3, American-made PAC 3,
and SM-6 cost several millions and in some cases, 2-3 may be required to neutralize a single threat.
An assessment from Reem Aminoach, a former brigadier general and chief financial advisor
to the Israeli military's leadership suggests that the combined efforts of Israel, the United States,
Britain, France, and Jordan likely incurred expenses in the ballpark of $1.1 billion.
In this type of environment, a system like Leonidas could be very handy.