Within Army Contracts
Did Leonidas Escape Prototype Limbo?
The follow-on Generation II contract signaled that Army testing had produced enough confidence to fund a more capable next increment.
On this page
- What changed between the first and second contracts
- Why range, power, and usability became upgrade goals
- What still separates upgrades from a program of record
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Introduction
The strongest signal yet that Leonidas may be moving beyond the usual cycle of directed-energy demonstrations is not a test video or a technical claim. It is the U.S. Army’s decision to fund a second-generation version after completing delivery, training and developmental testing of the first four systems. In July 2025, the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) awarded Epirus a $43.5 million contract for two IFPC-HPM Generation II systems based on the Leonidas high-power microwave platform. Rather than restarting from scratch, the Army chose to invest in an upgraded follow-on design informed by operational feedback from the first generation. That decision suggests growing institutional confidence, but it does not yet guarantee large-scale procurement or a formal acquisition programme. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
The Generation II award therefore answers an important question about Leonidas’ future: the Army appears interested in improving and validating the capability rather than merely proving that it works once. At the same time, the contract language shows that further testing remains central to the programme’s purpose. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
Did Leonidas Escape Prototype Limbo?
Many directed-energy projects reach a successful demonstration and then stall. They may perform well in trials yet fail to attract sustained funding, operational sponsorship or a pathway toward procurement. The Generation II contract matters because it represents a follow-on investment after the Army had already received, trained on and evaluated the first systems. [Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance]jedonline.comJournal of Electromagnetic DominanceEpirus Secures IFPC-HPM Upgrade Contract from US ArmyNovember 25, 2024 — 25 Nov 2024 — The RCCTO in J…
The Army’s original 2023 contract funded four IFPC-HPM prototypes. By 2024, those systems had been delivered and subjected to engineering developmental testing, live-fire activities and operational assessments. The Generation II award explicitly states that the upgraded systems will incorporate soldier feedback and lessons from those events. That is a different stage of maturity from a technology demonstration; it indicates a feedback loop between users and developers. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
In acquisition terms, this is evidence of momentum rather than proof of success. The Army did not simply renew support for the same design. It funded a next increment intended to solve shortcomings identified during real testing. That is often how military capabilities progress from experimental concepts toward operational relevance. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
What Changed Between the First and Second Contracts?
The most revealing aspect of the Generation II contract is not its dollar value but its emphasis on performance improvements.
The first-generation effort focused on proving that a high-power microwave system could contribute to counter-drone defence within the Indirect Fire Protection Capability framework. The second-generation effort is focused on increasing effectiveness and military utility. According to Epirus and Army-related reporting, the new systems are expected to:
- More than double the effective range of Generation I. [defence-industry.eu]defence-industry.euDefence Industry Epirus awarded $43.5 million U.SArmy contract for…20 Jul 2025 — The upgraded GEN II systems are expected to more than double the effective range of their predecessors…
- Increase power output by roughly 30 percent.
- Incorporate higher-density battery systems.
- Reduce dependence on external power sources.
- Improve multi-target engagement performance.
- Expand effectiveness against a broader range of threats.
- Introduce soldier usability improvements. [Epirus+2Defence Industry]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
These goals reveal what the Army apparently learned from earlier testing. The question was no longer whether Leonidas could disrupt drones. The question became whether it could do so from greater distances, for longer periods and with less logistical burden. That shift is characteristic of programmes that are beginning to focus on operational usefulness rather than laboratory validation. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
Why Range, Power and Usability Became Upgrade Goals
The Generation II requirements expose some of the practical challenges facing directed-energy weapons.
Range Matters More Than Demonstrations
A counter-drone system that works only at relatively short distances may struggle to fit into layered air-defence architectures. The Army’s stated interest in more than doubling effective range suggests that existing performance, while promising, left room for improvement when confronting realistic operational scenarios. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
Longer range increases engagement opportunities, expands defended areas and potentially allows a smaller number of systems to protect larger sites. It also helps address a recurring criticism of directed-energy technologies: impressive demonstrations do not always translate into tactically useful standoff distances. [Tectonic Defense]tectonicdefense.comepirus secures 43 5m from army rcctoTectonic DefenseEpirus Secures $43.5M from Army RCCTO17 Jul 2025 — Epirus won a $43.5M Army RCCTO contract to deliver GEN II Leonidas cou…
Power and Lethality Are Linked
The planned increase in power is tied to a broader goal of improving effectiveness against more threat types. Counter-drone environments are evolving rapidly, with larger unmanned aircraft, more sophisticated electronics and increasingly complex swarm behaviours. A microwave weapon that can affect a wider range of electronic targets becomes more valuable as threats diversify. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
Usability Is a Hidden Acquisition Risk
One of the most interesting Generation II objectives is the focus on soldier usability. Advanced weapons often fail because they are difficult to operate, maintain or integrate into existing formations. The Army’s decision to incorporate user feedback directly into the next design iteration suggests that human factors emerged as an important consideration during testing. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
The inclusion of higher-density batteries and reduced external power requirements also points to a usability issue. A system that requires extensive support infrastructure may perform well technically while remaining difficult to deploy in operational environments. Reports on Generation II indicate that increased onboard energy storage is intended to extend operating time and reduce dependence on external power sources. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
Why the Army Is Still Being Careful
The Generation II contract is encouraging for Leonidas, but its language also reveals caution.
Army and company statements repeatedly describe upcoming activities as validation, assessment and performance testing. The programme’s purpose is not merely to field upgraded hardware but to generate data that can inform future requirements. The contract specifically notes that the new systems will support additional performance validation and help shape potential future programme-of-record decisions. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
That wording matters. A programme of record is the formal acquisition framework that typically leads to sustained procurement, budgeting and long-term force integration. The Generation II contract does not establish such a programme. Instead, it seeks evidence that could justify one. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
This distinction is important because directed-energy systems have historically struggled at exactly this transition point. Technical success alone does not guarantee that a service will commit to procurement, doctrine, training pipelines, sustainment structures and long-term funding. The Army is funding a stronger version of Leonidas, but it is still collecting the evidence required for a larger institutional commitment. [Defense Advancement]defenseadvancement.comus army awards epirus 66 million contract for leonidas counter uas systemDefense AdvancementUS Army Awards Epirus $66 Million Contract for Leonidas…24 Jan 2023 — The contract will see Epirus collaborate with…
The Most Important Signal for Leonidas’ Future
The Generation II contract suggests that Leonidas has cleared a hurdle that many experimental defence technologies never reach: the Army judged the first round of testing valuable enough to justify a more capable follow-on system. The upgrades are not cosmetic. They target operationally meaningful issues such as range, power generation, endurance and user experience. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
At the same time, the contract stops short of declaring victory. The Army is still evaluating whether high-power microwave weapons can become a durable element of future air-defence architecture. Generation II therefore represents a bridge between promising prototypes and a possible programme of record. Leonidas appears to be moving beyond prototype limbo, but the Army’s own contract language shows that the final acquisition decision remains ahead rather than behind. [Epirus]epirusinc.comArmy for…17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems… U.S. Army Awards E…
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Endnotes
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Source: epirusinc.com
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/press-releases/epirus-receives-43-million-contract-from-u-s-army-for-ifpc-hpm-generation-ii-systemsSource snippet
Army for...17 Jul 2025 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems... U.S. Army Awards E...
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Source: jedonline.com
Link: https://www.jedonline.com/2024/11/25/epirus-secures-ifpc-hpm-upgrade-contract-from-us-army/Source snippet
Journal of Electromagnetic DominanceEpirus Secures IFPC-HPM Upgrade Contract from US ArmyNovember 25, 2024 — 25 Nov 2024 — The RCCTO in J...
Published: November 25, 2024
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Source: defence-industry.eu
Title: Defence Industry Epirus awarded $43.5 million U.S
Link: https://defence-industry.eu/epirus-awarded-43-5-million-u-s-army-contract-for-leonidas-generation-ii-high-power-microwave-system/Source snippet
Army contract for...20 Jul 2025 — The upgraded GEN II systems are expected to more than double the effective range of their predecessors...
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Source: nationaldefensemagazine.org
Title: epirus bringing advanced counter drone system to army other markets
Link: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2025/7/17/epirus-bringing-advanced-counter-drone-system-to-army-other-marketsSource snippet
JUST IN: Army Acquiring Next Generation of Epirus'...17 Jul 2025 — Epirus landed a $43.6 million contract from the Army in June to deliv...
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Source: tectonicdefense.com
Title: epirus secures 43 5m from army rccto
Link: https://www.tectonicdefense.com/epirus-secures-43-5m-from-army-rccto/Source snippet
Tectonic DefenseEpirus Secures $43.5M from Army RCCTO17 Jul 2025 — Epirus won a $43.5M Army RCCTO contract to deliver GEN II Leonidas cou...
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Source: defenseadvancement.com
Title: us army awards epirus 66 million contract for leonidas counter uas system
Link: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/news/us-army-awards-epirus-66-million-contract-for-leonidas-counter-uas-system/Source snippet
Defense AdvancementUS Army Awards Epirus $66 Million Contract for Leonidas...24 Jan 2023 — The contract will see Epirus collaborate with...
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Source: defensescoop.com
Title: microwave weapon
Link: https://defensescoop.com/2023/01/23/microwave-weapon/Source snippet
The Leonidas system will support the Army's Indirect Fire...Read more...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Title: Epirus Leonidas High-Power Microwave: Directed Energy
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/electronic-warfareSource snippet
August 21, 2025 · Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Generation II Systems. This is some text inside of a...
Published: August 21, 2025
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Source: unmannedairspace.info
Title: epirus receives usd 43 5m us army contract for second generation hpm systems
Link: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/epirus-receives-usd-43-5m-us-army-contract-for-second-generation-hpm-systems/Source snippet
Epirus receives USD 43.5M US Army contract for second...18 Jul 2025 — Epirus has been awarded a USD 43,551,060 contract from the US Army...
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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]({{ 'swarms/' | relative_url }}). It was n...
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Source: linkedin.com
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/c-uas-hub_epirus-secures-435m-us-army-contract-for-activity-7353016725866463234-8vZcSource snippet
Epirus wins $43.5M US Army contract for HPM systemsEpirus secures $43.5M US Army contract for next-gen High-Power Microwave systems Epiru...
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Source: army-technology.com
Title: epirus to deliver leonidas prototype systems for us army
Link: https://www.army-technology.com/news/epirus-to-deliver-leonidas-prototype-systems-for-us-army/Source snippet
more...
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Source: wordpress-1555235-6025816.cloudwaysapps.com
Title: epirus secures 43 5m us army contract for next gen high power microwave systems
Link: https://wordpress-1555235-6025816.cloudwaysapps.com/content/epirus-secures-43-5m-us-army-contract-for-next-gen-high-power-microwave-systems/Source snippet
secures $43.5M US Army contract for next-gen High...Epirus announced it has been awarded a $43.5M contract by the US Army's RCCTO to del...
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Source: jedonline.com
Title: u s army awards epirus 66 1 million contract for leonidas directed energy system
Link: https://www.jedonline.com/2023/01/31/u-s-army-awards-epirus-66-1-million-contract-for-leonidas-directed-energy-system/Source snippet
Army Awards Epirus $66.1 Million Contract...31 Jan 2023 — In January, Epirus announced a $66.1 million contract award from the U.S. Army...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: The US Army’s new answer to drone swarms: LEONIDAS
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSETxYGrxVwSource snippet
Epirus Leonidas Generation II Contract US Army IFPC HPM Leonidas Generation II: Weaponized Electromagnetic Interference for Counter-Drone...
Additional References
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Source: x.com
Link: https://x.com/AirPowerNEW1/status/1945965804194853315Source snippet
Leonidas Generation II #GaN High Power Microwave...Leonidas Generation II #GaN High Power Microwave #HPM ⤵️ ⬆️ range ⬆️ Power ⬆️ Lethali...
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Source: prnewswire.com
Link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-army-awards-epirus-66-1m-contract-for-leonidas-directed-energy-system-301727354.htmlSource snippet
Army Awards Epirus $66.1M Contract for Leonidas™...23 Jan 2023 — Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S. Army for IFPC-HPM Gene...
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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: prnewswire.com
Title: PR Newswire Epirus Receives $43.5 Million Contract from U.S
Link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epirus-receives-43-5-million-contract-from-us-army-for-ifpc-hpm-generation-ii-systems-302507970.htmlSource snippet
Army for...17 Jul 2025 — The base contract includes delivery of two Integrated Fires Protection Capability High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HP...
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Source: sam.gov
Link: https://sam.gov/opp/16d77a23e3cf473eb6be4a567842ed8f/viewSource snippet
EQUEST FOR PROTOTYPE PROPOSALS OR WHITE PAPERS.Read more...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/LessCredibleDefence/comments/1m34xyz/army_puts_43m_bet_on_next_gen_leonidas_high_power/Source snippet
l power for up to 30 minutes of firing. Given that a typical...Read more...
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Source: youtube.com
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfOAKxRKJrASource snippet
h more range & more power for increased lethality against...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: U S Army Orders $43 5M in Advanced Microwave Weapons to Combat Drone Threats
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH3W11zuaqQSource snippet
Drone Swarms Are Here. This Technology Could Stop Them...
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Source: linkedin.com
Title: Linked In U.S
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/epirus_review-the-press-release-activity-7351627255388798976-p2QxSource snippet
Army awards $43.5 million contract for IFPC-HPM...New $43.5 million contract from US Army for the delivery of IFPC-HPM Generation II (GE...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: Drone Swarms Are Here. This Technology Could Stop Them
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unraT22a4zYSource snippet
High Power Microwave Weapons...
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