Within 49 Drone Test
Can Microwaves Fix the Drone Cost Problem?
If one microwave shot can disable many cheap drones, defenders may reduce their dependence on expensive missiles and interceptor drones.
On this page
- Why cheap drones strain air defence budgets
- How area effect engagement changes the equation
- Where cost claims still need operational proof
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Introduction
The 49-drone Leonidas demonstration attracted attention because it suggested a possible answer to one of modern air defence’s most persistent problems: defenders often spend far more money stopping drones than attackers spend launching them. If a single microwave pulse can disable dozens of low-cost drones at once, the economics of defence begin to look very different. Rather than firing one missile at one target, a high-power microwave system can potentially engage many targets in a single action, reducing both ammunition expenditure and the risk of exhausting interceptor inventories. The test did not prove that every drone swarm can be defeated this way, but it did provide a concrete example of a technology designed specifically to address the cost imbalance created by mass-produced unmanned aircraft. [Epirus+2Epirus]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
Why Cheap Drones Strain Air Defence Budgets
The drone threat is not simply a matter of aircraft numbers. It is an economic challenge.
Across recent conflicts, militaries have increasingly faced inexpensive drones that can be produced in large quantities. Traditional air-defence systems were largely designed to defeat aircraft, helicopters, or cruise missiles, not swarms of small unmanned systems costing hundreds or thousands of pounds. When a defender responds with expensive interceptor missiles, the attacker can often impose disproportionate costs. Analysts have highlighted cases where interceptors costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars are used against far cheaper threats. [RAND Corporation]rand.orgCorporation David vsGoliath: Cost Asymmetry in WarfareMarch 6, 2025 — 6 Mar 2025 — These new threats SM-2 missiles priced at around $2.1 million each, eighty…
This creates what defence planners call an unfavourable cost-exchange ratio. Even successful interceptions can become strategically expensive if every engagement consumes scarce missiles, launcher capacity, maintenance resources, and supply-chain inventory. The problem becomes more severe when drones arrive in groups rather than individually. A swarm of dozens of aircraft may require dozens of separate engagements from conventional systems. [The Strategist+2DroneShield]aspistrategist.org.auThe Strategist A counter to drone swarms: high-power microwave weaponsThe StrategistA counter to drone swarms: high-power microwave weaponsMay 11, 2025 — 12 May 2025 — Defensive systems that use interceptors…
The significance of the Leonidas test lies in the fact that it targeted this economic problem directly rather than merely demonstrating another way to shoot drones down.
How Area-Effect Engagement Changes the Equation
The central economic argument for high-power microwave weapons is that they are not fundamentally one-on-one weapons.
Conventional missiles generally destroy a single target per shot. Even highly capable systems must repeatedly engage incoming threats. A microwave weapon instead attempts to project electromagnetic energy across an area, disrupting electronics within that space. If multiple drones occupy the affected zone, they may all be impacted by the same pulse. This is the “one-to-many” concept repeatedly emphasised by Epirus and by observers discussing microwave counter-swarm systems. [Epirus+2Axios]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
The Camp Atterbury demonstration provided a practical illustration. According to Epirus, Leonidas defeated all 61 drones flown during the event, including a 49-drone swarm disabled with a single microwave engagement. If such performance can be replicated operationally, the defender no longer needs to match the attacker drone-for-drone with individual interceptors. [Epirus]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
From a cost perspective, three potential advantages emerge:
- Lower marginal engagement cost. A microwave pulse primarily consumes electrical power rather than a physical interceptor round. Epirus argues that this produces engagement costs measured in pennies rather than the costs associated with missile expenditure. [Epirus+2Epirus]epirusinc.comhas spent upwards of $2 million per unit to defeat drones that cost hundreds to thousands. Drones are easily mass-produced, while the U.S…
- Reduced magazine limitations. Missile batteries carry finite numbers of interceptors. Microwave systems can continue operating as long as power generation and system health permit, reducing concerns about rapid ammunition depletion during large attacks. [Epirus]epirusinc.comhas spent upwards of $2 million per unit to defeat drones that cost hundreds to thousands. Drones are easily mass-produced, while the U.S…
- Simultaneous engagement. The ability to affect multiple drones at once means defensive costs do not necessarily rise linearly with swarm size. A 40-drone attack may not require 40 separate defensive actions. [Epirus]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
This is the key economic lesson many observers drew from the 49-drone test. The value was not merely defeating drones, but doing so without needing forty-nine separate interceptors.
The Hidden Savings Beyond Missile Costs
The financial argument extends beyond the price of a single shot.
Every interceptor fired must eventually be replaced. Stockpiles must be replenished, production lines maintained, transport organised, and launchers reloaded. In prolonged campaigns, these logistics costs can become as important as the direct procurement cost of the missile itself. Microwave systems shift part of the burden away from expendable munitions and towards reusable equipment. [Epirus]epirusinc.comcorrecting the cost imbalance in counter unmanned aerial system solutionsEpirusCorrecting the Cost Imbalance in Counter-Unmanned…10 Nov 2022 — Its cost per shot is significantly less than Patriot missiles, H…
There is also a force-structure implication. If microwave systems can reliably handle large numbers of inexpensive drones, higher-end missile systems may be reserved for aircraft, cruise missiles, and other threats that genuinely require kinetic interception. This layered-defence approach potentially allows militaries to allocate their most expensive weapons more selectively. [Epirus+2Epirus]epirusinc.comcorrecting the cost imbalance in counter unmanned aerial system solutionsEpirusCorrecting the Cost Imbalance in Counter-Unmanned…10 Nov 2022 — Its cost per shot is significantly less than Patriot missiles, H…
The attraction is particularly obvious in scenarios involving infrastructure protection, forward operating bases, logistics hubs, or naval vessels facing repeated drone attacks. In such environments, reducing expenditure per engagement can matter as much as improving interception rates.
Where Cost Claims Still Need Operational Proof
The cost argument is compelling, but it remains partly prospective rather than fully proven.
The Leonidas demonstration showed that a large swarm could be disabled during a controlled test. It did not establish how frequently such results can be achieved against different drone designs, varied formations, electronic hardening measures, or complex battlefield conditions. The financial benefits depend on sustained operational effectiveness, not merely a successful demonstration. [Epirus+2Tom's Hardware]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
Several uncertainties remain:
- Coverage and geometry. Area-effect weapons are most valuable when many drones occupy the engagement zone simultaneously. Different swarm tactics could reduce this advantage. [arXiv]arxiv.orgOpen source on arxiv.org.
- Target resilience. Future drones may incorporate shielding, redundancy, or hardened electronics designed specifically to resist microwave effects. [arXiv]arxiv.orgOpen source on arxiv.org.
- System acquisition costs. Even if the cost per engagement is low, the platforms themselves are sophisticated military systems that require procurement, maintenance, training, and support infrastructure. Recent Army contracts for advanced Leonidas systems run into tens of millions of dollars. [Militarnyi]militarnyi.comus army orders new microwave drone defense systems for 43 5mArmy has awarded a $43.55 million contract to defense tech firm Epirus for the delivery of next-generation microwave weapons…Read more…
- Layered-defence reality. Most militaries are unlikely to replace missiles entirely. Microwave systems are more likely to complement kinetic and electronic-warfare defences than eliminate them. [Epirus]epirusinc.comcorrecting the cost imbalance in counter unmanned aerial system solutionsEpirusCorrecting the Cost Imbalance in Counter-Unmanned…10 Nov 2022 — Its cost per shot is significantly less than Patriot missiles, H…
For that reason, claims that microwaves completely solve the drone-cost problem should be treated cautiously. What the technology may do is improve the defender’s position in the cost competition.
What the 49-Drone Test Suggests About Future Air Defence
The most important implication of the Leonidas demonstration is economic rather than purely technical. The test offered evidence that counter-drone defence may not always require matching every incoming drone with a separate interceptor. By demonstrating a “one-to-many” engagement against a large swarm, the system highlighted a path towards reducing the cost asymmetry that has worried military planners throughout the drone era. [Epirus+2Axios]epirusinc.comTap to unmute.Read moreEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone…Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49…
Whether microwave weapons ultimately deliver that promise at scale remains an open question. Yet the 49-drone event showed why militaries are investing heavily in directed-energy systems: not simply because they can defeat drones, but because they may do so without forcing defenders into a financially exhausting exchange every time a swarm appears. [Militarnyi+2Axios]militarnyi.comus army orders new microwave drone defense systems for 43 5mArmy has awarded a $43.55 million contract to defense tech firm Epirus for the delivery of next-generation microwave weapons…Read more…
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Endnotes
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Source: axios.com
Link: https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/epirus-directed-energy-drone-fundingSource snippet
The round was led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP. With this funding, Epirus plans to expand production of its key product, Leo...
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Source: rand.org
Title: Corporation David vs
Link: https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2025/03/david-vs-goliath-cost-asymmetry-in-warfare.htmlSource snippet
Goliath: Cost Asymmetry in WarfareMarch 6, 2025 — 6 Mar 2025 — These new threats SM-2 missiles priced at around $2.1 million each, eighty...
Published: March 6, 2025
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Source: droneshield.com
Link: https://www.droneshield.com/blog/a-counter-to-drone-swarms-high-power-microwave-weaponsSource snippet
A Counter to Drone Swarms: High-Power Microwave...Defensive systems that use interceptors or projectiles are not only too slow against a...
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Source: arxiv.org
Link: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.08477 -
Source: militarnyi.com
Title: us army orders new microwave drone defense systems for 43 5m
Link: https://militarnyi.com/en/news/us-army-orders-new-microwave-drone-defense-systems-for-43-5m/Source snippet
Army has awarded a $43.55 million contract to defense tech firm Epirus for the delivery of next-generation microwave weapons...Read more...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: Epirus: Built for the Asymmetric Threat | High-Power Microwave for Drone Defense
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1E1dt0ia-MSource snippet
1-to-Many: The Necessary Counter-Swarm Defense Starts with Epirus High Power Microwave...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: The $2M Missile vs. $2K Drone: How L3Harris Solved the Swarm Crisis
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4936r8yQfWQSource snippet
Epirus Leonidas high power microwave counter drone cost asymmetry Epirus Leonidas: High-Power Microwave for Counter-Electronics Epirus...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Title: Tap to unmute.Read more
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/press-releases/epirus-leonidas-high-power-microwave-defeats-49-drone-swarm-100-of-drones-flown-at-live-fire-demonstrationSource snippet
EpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone...Sep 10, 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/electronic-warfareSource snippet
has spent upwards of $2 million per unit to defeat drones that cost hundreds to thousands. Drones are easily mass-produced, while the U.S...
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Source: aspistrategist.org.au
Title: The Strategist A counter to drone swarms: high-power microwave weapons
Link: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/a-counter-to-drone-swarms-high-power-microwave-weapons/Source snippet
The StrategistA counter to drone swarms: high-power microwave weaponsMay 11, 2025 — 12 May 2025 — Defensive systems that use interceptors...
Published: May 11, 2025
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Source: linkedin.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/epirus_epirus-leonidas-high-power-microwave-defeats-activity-7371575751776608256-i0zZSource snippet
Epirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone...Leonidas is the only mission-capable, counter-swarm solution for the one-to-man...
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Source: tomshardware.com
Title: Tom’s Hardware High-power microwave system downs 49 drones in [one shot]({{ ‘one-shot/’ | relative_url }})
Link: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/high-power-microwave-system-downs-49-drones-in-one-shot-weaponized-electromagnetic-interference-erases-drone-swarms-en-masseSource snippet
electronics warfare company, successfully demonstrated a major advancement in counter-drone technology with its Leonidas high-power micro...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Title: correcting the cost imbalance in counter unmanned aerial system solutions
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/post/correcting-the-cost-imbalance-in-counter-unmanned-aerial-system-solutionsSource snippet
EpirusCorrecting the Cost Imbalance in Counter-Unmanned...10 Nov 2022 — Its cost per shot is significantly less than Patriot missiles, H...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/Source snippet
Epirus - Home of Leonidas, the Premier High-Power...Epirus combines the latest in directed energy, long-pulse high-power microwaves (HPM...
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Source: Wikipedia
Title: Epirus Leonidas
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epirus_LeonidasSource snippet
Epirus LeonidasThe Leonidas is a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon developed to disable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms. Against...
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Source: nextgendefense.com
Title: epirus microwave weapon
Link: https://nextgendefense.com/epirus-microwave-weapon/Source snippet
Epirus Introduces Microwave Weapon to Counter...13 Apr 2025 — Epirus debuts its Leonidas H2O microwave weapon, a non-kinetic system test...
Additional References
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Source: researchgate.net
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/401707891_Cost-Effectiveness_Analysis_of_Counter-Unmanned_Aircraft_Systems_Technologies_A_Comparative_Study_of_Kinetic_Electronic_Warfare_and_Directed_Energy_Countermeasures_2022-2026Source snippet
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft...9 Mar 2026 — to defend against 100 Shahed drones using Patriot missiles would...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1ntgl3j/usmade_leonidas_microwave_weapon_takes_down_49/Source snippet
US-made Leonidas microwave weapon takes down 49...They're cheap and plentiful, and reduce the cost discrepancy of drones vs missiles. An...
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Source: twz.com
Title: army puts 50m bet on next gen leonidas high power microwave counter drone tech
Link: https://www.twz.com/land/army-puts-50m-bet-on-next-gen-leonidas-high-power-microwave-counter-drone-techSource snippet
Army Puts $43M Bet On Next Gen Leonidas High Power...17 Jul 2025 — Today, high power microwave (HPM) system maker Epirus announced it ha...
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Source: united24media.com
Title: meet leonidas the drone killing microwave weapon ukraine has its eye on 12178
Link: https://united24media.com/latest-news/meet-leonidas-the-drone-killing-microwave-weapon-ukraine-has-its-eye-on-12178Source snippet
Meet Leonidas, the Drone-Killing Microwave Weapon...3 Oct 2025 — Epirus brands Leonidas as cost-effective: the company claims the “cost...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXpscG1D6_j/Source snippet
n developed by Epirus to neutralise drone swarms by frying their...Read more...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/LessCredibleDefence/comments/yvhmcb/how_can_the_west_defend_against_low_cost_shahed/Source snippet
ves. They can simply overwhelm their defenses in swarms. The...Read more...
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Source: reddit.com
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nti-aircraft gun since electricity is cheaper than physical...Read more...
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Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWT64qTgn7T/Source snippet
tware-defined electromagnetic pulses to "fry" drone electronics...
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Source: facebook.com
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ng a cost-effective alternative to missiles or lasers for...
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Source: instagram.com
Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPOpg2WDCDR/?hl=enSource snippet
rones was neutralized within seconds during tests of its...
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