US Marines Get First Microwave Weapon Prototype to Destroy Drone Swarms

The US Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren has received its first high-power microwave (HPM) system prototype purpose-built to counter drone swarms.

Made by Epirus and derived from the Leonidas Expeditionary system, the short-range and compact Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) system is designed for integration in light tactical vehicles and trailers for US Marine Corps forces.

Following the prototype’s completion of Government Acceptance Testing in early 2025, the ExDECS will be used to support the Marines’ HPM testing in low-altitude air defense missions and enhance its ground-based air defense capabilities.

ExDECS is said to be a modular, scalable system featuring solid-state HPM and gallium nitride amplifiers as its core technology. However, specific technical details about its range, power requirements, and engagement capacity have not been publicly disclosed.

“Drone warfare is changing the fight — fast. Systems like ExDECS give Marines a decisive advantage by neutralizing multiple electronic threats at once with a single system — what we call a one-to-many capability,” said company CEO Andy Lowery.

“This delivery is a critical step toward fielding non-kinetic counter-swarm solutions that enhance the mobility, survivability, and lethality of our Marine forces.”

Leonidas HPM

Epirus’ Leonidas HPM system is also used as a foundational technology for its maritime variant, the Leonidas H2O, as well as the US Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability – High-Power Microwave program.

In 2022, the Leonidas system was integrated with Stryker armored fighting vehicles to provide mobile counter-drone capabilities.