Within Swarm Economics
Why microwaves still need backup weapons
Microwave systems can improve the cost exchange, but dispersed drones, shielding, range and power limits keep layered defence essential.
On this page
- Why dispersed drones reduce the advantage
- Power, cooling and targeting constraints
- How microwaves fit with guns, missiles and electronic warfare
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Introduction
High-power microwave systems such as Leonidas can dramatically improve the economics of countering drone swarms because a single pulse may disable many drones at once. That “one-to-many” engagement model is a genuine advantage over missiles or guns that typically engage targets individually. Yet the same factors that make drone warfare difficult also limit microwave weapons. Swarms can disperse, drones can vary in electronic vulnerability, and microwave systems remain constrained by range, line of sight, power generation, cooling requirements and target geometry. As a result, military planners generally view high-power microwaves as part of a layered air-defence architecture rather than a standalone answer to every drone threat. [GAO+2DroneShield]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target…
The key question is not whether microwaves work. Recent demonstrations by Leonidas and the U.S. Air Force’s THOR system show they can defeat large groups of drones under favourable conditions. The more important operational question is where those advantages begin to fade and where other defensive layers remain essential. [Epirus+2Mobility Engineering Technology]epirusinc.comepirus leonidas high power microwave defeats 49 drone swarm 100 of drones flown at live fire demonstrationEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone …10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49-…
Why dispersed drones reduce the advantage
The strongest economic case for microwave counter-swarm weapons appears when many drones occupy the same volume of airspace. In demonstrations, Leonidas has disabled dozens of drones in a single engagement, highlighting how one pulse can affect multiple targets simultaneously. [Epirus+2Tom's Hardware]epirusinc.comepirus leonidas high power microwave defeats 49 drone swarm 100 of drones flown at live fire demonstrationEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone …10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49-…
However, attackers are not required to cooperate with the defender’s preferred engagement geometry. A swarm can be spread across different altitudes, headings and distances. The more dispersed the drones become, the fewer aircraft are exposed to the same microwave field at the same moment. In effect, the defender risks sliding back towards a series of smaller engagements rather than a single mass effect.
This creates an important tactical competition:
- Tight formations maximise microwave efficiency.
- Distributed formations reduce the number of drones exposed per pulse.
- Multi-axis attacks can force the defender to reposition or divide coverage.
- Mixed threats may combine drones with other targets that require different responses.
The result is that microwave systems often perform best as a swarm-breaking layer. Even if they disable a large fraction of incoming drones, surviving aircraft may still need to be engaged by guns, missiles or electronic warfare systems. [Wikipedia+2DroneShield]WikipediaEpirus LeonidasEpirus Leonidas
Not every drone is equally vulnerable
High-power microwaves attack electronics rather than airframes. Their effectiveness therefore depends on how energy couples into a drone’s electrical systems. Defence analysts and technical studies consistently note that microwave effects vary according to design, shielding, orientation and component layout. [National Defense Magazine]nationaldefensemagazine.orgcounterdrone mission seen as killer app for directed energyNational Defense MagazineCounter-UAS Mission Seen as Killer App for Directed EnergyJan 20, 2026 — High-powered microwaves can blast more…
That creates uncertainty absent from a direct kinetic hit. One drone may suffer immediate electronic failure while another, built differently or exposed at a different angle, may continue operating. A layered defence compensates for that variability by providing additional engagement options after the microwave pulse.
Power, cooling and targeting constraints
One of the most persistent misconceptions about directed-energy weapons is that they possess an effectively unlimited magazine and therefore eliminate traditional constraints. While microwave weapons avoid missile reloads, they do not eliminate engineering limits.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office has identified range, cooling and broader technological limitations as significant factors affecting directed-energy weapon performance. As energy levels rise, systems require substantial power generation, thermal management and beam-control infrastructure. These challenges become more acute when equipment must operate on mobile vehicles or expeditionary bases. [GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target…
Range remains a real constraint
Microwave effects weaken with distance. The practical engagement envelope depends on transmitted power, antenna design, target characteristics and environmental conditions. Even advocates of directed-energy systems acknowledge that effectiveness is not constant across all ranges. [GAO+2National Defense Magazine]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target…
This matters because drone campaigns increasingly combine:
- Long-range reconnaissance drones.
- Low-flying attack drones.
- Loitering munitions approaching from different directions.
- Fast-moving targets mixed with slower systems.
A microwave system may be highly effective inside its optimal engagement zone while remaining unable to address every threat throughout the wider battlespace. Longer-range missile defences and other interceptors therefore continue to play a role.
Detection and tracking still matter
Microwaves are not substitutes for sensing systems. Before a defender can disable a swarm, it must first find, classify and track it. Counter-drone networks increasingly rely on radar, electro-optical sensors, infrared systems and command-and-control software to provide situational awareness. [Defense Domain]defensedomain.comDefense DomainCounter-Drone Warfare: The Global Race to Neutralize…22 Dec 2025 — Detection and Early Warning: Multi-function radar sys…
Without those supporting layers, even a powerful microwave weapon may struggle to engage threats efficiently. In practice, the sensor network often determines whether the microwave layer can exploit its one-to-many advantage.
Fratricide and operating environment concerns
The same wide-area effect that makes high-power microwaves attractive against swarms can complicate employment around friendly systems. The GAO notes that broader-beam directed-energy weapons can affect all assets within an area, creating operational considerations that do not arise with narrowly targeted interceptors. [GAO]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target…
Defenders must therefore manage airspace, friendly electronics and engagement geometry carefully. In congested environments, commanders may prefer other defensive tools for certain engagements.
How microwaves fit with guns, missiles and electronic warfare
The most likely future role for systems such as Leonidas is not replacing existing air defence but reshaping the workload of the wider defensive network.
A useful way to view layered defence is that each layer addresses a different failure mode:
LayerPrimary contributionSensors and command systemsDetect, classify and prioritise threatsElectronic warfareDisrupt communications, navigation or control linksHigh-power microwavesRapidly attack dense groups of electronically vulnerable dronesGuns and airburst munitionsFinish surviving drones at short rangeMissilesEngage higher-value, faster or more distant threats
This structure reflects a basic reality: no single weapon performs best against every target type or operational condition. Electronic warfare may fail against autonomous drones. Microwaves may not affect every platform equally. Guns have finite ammunition. Missiles are expensive and magazine-limited. Combining them reduces the weaknesses of each individual layer. [DroneShield+2Office of Naval Research]droneshield.comA Counter to Drone Swarms: High-Power Microwave…Military forces must prioritise a counter to drone swarming tactics with wh…
Microwaves improve the exchange ratio, not the entire problem
Leonidas and similar systems change the economics of defending against dense drone formations because electrical energy is generally cheaper than firing large numbers of interceptors. Successful demonstrations against dozens of drones illustrate why militaries are investing heavily in the technology. [Epirus+2Tom's Hardware]epirusinc.comepirus leonidas high power microwave defeats 49 drone swarm 100 of drones flown at live fire demonstrationEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone …10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49-…
Yet the same demonstrations highlight the boundary of the concept. They show impressive results against swarms, not universal effectiveness against every aerial threat. Military assessments continue to emphasise integrated defence architectures in which directed-energy weapons complement rather than replace conventional systems. [GAO+2National Defense Magazine]gao.govgao 23 106717Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target…
For that reason, the most important contribution of microwave counter-swarm systems may be reducing pressure on other defensive layers. If a single pulse removes a large portion of an incoming swarm, guns, missiles and electronic warfare assets can focus on the remaining threats. The economics improve substantially, but the need for layered defence remains. [Epirus+2DroneShield]epirusinc.comepirus leonidas high power microwave defeats 49 drone swarm 100 of drones flown at live fire demonstrationEpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone …10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49-…
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Further Reading
Books and field guides related to Why microwaves still need backup weapons. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
Introduction to Electronic Warfare Modeling and Simulation
First published 2006. Subjects: Electronics in military engineering, Mathematical models, Computer simulation.
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Endnotes
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Source: gao.gov
Title: gao 23 106717
Link: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106717Source snippet
Science & Tech Spotlight: Directed Energy Weapons25 May 2023 — DEWs are generally less effective the farther they are from the target...
Published: May 2023
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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...Military forces must prioritise a counter to drone swarming tactics with wh...
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Source: Wikipedia
Title: Epirus Leonidas
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epirus_Leonidas -
Source: Wikipedia
Title: Thor (film)
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_%28film%29Source snippet
Thor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios an...
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Source: Wikipedia
Title: THOR (weapon)
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THOR_%28weapon%29Source snippet
THOR (weapon)The Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR) is a high-power microwave directed energy weapon developed by the Un...
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Source: Wikipedia
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThorSource snippet
ThorThor (from Old Norse: Þórr) is a prominent god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding god associated w...
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Source: gao.gov
Link: https://www.gao.gov/video/directed-energy-weapons-dod-should-focus-transition-planningSource snippet
Directed Energy Weapons DOD Should Focus on Transition...DOD spends about $1 billion annually on directed energy--concentrated electroma...
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Source: nationaldefensemagazine.org
Title: High-power electromagnetic weapons require line-of-sight and are sensitive
Link: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2025/8/11/government-perspective-directed-energy-in-air-base-defense-can-save-the-arsenalSource snippet
National Defense MagazineDirected Energy in Air Base Defense Can Save the ArsenalAug 11, 2025 — Weather and atmospheric conditions can li...
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Source: epirusinc.com
Link: https://www.epirusinc.com/press-releases/epirus-leonidas-high-power-microwave-defeats-49-[drone-swarmSource snippet
EpirusEpirus' Leonidas High-Power Microwave Defeats 49-Drone...10 Sept 2025 — Leonidas neutralized 61-of-61 drones, culminating in a 49...
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Source: mobilityengineeringtech.com
Title: 48207 air force performs first test of microwave counter drone weapon thor
Link: https://www.mobilityengineeringtech.com/component/content/article/48207-air-force-performs-first-test-of-microwave-counter-drone-weapon-thorSource snippet
This was the first test of this scale in AFRL history.Read more...
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Source: tomshardware.com
Title: Tom’s Hardware High-power microwave system downs 49 drones in one shot
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: nationaldefensemagazine.org
Title: counterdrone mission seen as killer app for directed energy
Link: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2026/1/20/counterdrone-mission-seen-as-killer-app-for-directed-energySource snippet
National Defense MagazineCounter-UAS Mission Seen as Killer App for Directed EnergyJan 20, 2026 — High-powered microwaves can blast more...
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Source: defensedomain.com
Link: https://defensedomain.com/counter-drone-warfare-the-global-race-to-neutralize-swarms-and-loitering-munitions/Source snippet
Defense DomainCounter-Drone Warfare: The Global Race to Neutralize...22 Dec 2025 — Detection and Early Warning: Multi-function radar sys...
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Link: https://www.onr.navy.mil/organization/departments/code-35/division-353/directed-energy-weapons-cdew-and-high-energy-[lasersSource snippet
Office of Naval ResearchCounter Directed Energy Weapons and High Energy LasersNavy DEWs include systems that use high-energy lasers (HEL)...
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Link: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/epirus_epirus-leonidas-high-power-microwave-defeats-activity-7371575751776608256-i0zZSource snippet
y fight. 61 drones went up—and 61 went is under 500m. seem to...
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Source: norskluftvern.com
Title: epirus leonidas counter drone system us
Link: https://norskluftvern.com/2025/03/31/epirus-leonidas-counter-drone-system-us/Source snippet
Utilizing high-power microwave (HPM) technology, Leonidas offers a non-kinetic solution...
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Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki - FandomThor Odinson is the Asgardian God of Thunder, the former king of both Asgard and New Asgard, a f...
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Title: epirus zaps fibre optic fpv with leonidas microwave weapon
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Epirus zaps fibre-optic FPV with Leonidas microwave...28 Jan 2026 — Epirus has developed a microwave weapon called Leonidas that has dem...
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Source: dvidshub.net
Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/904340/thor-tactical-high-power-operational-responderSource snippet
Thor - Tactical High-power Operational ResponderTHOR is a high power microwave counter-drone weapon that the Air Force Research Lab has d...
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Link: https://medium.com/%40Epirus/epirus-leonidas-smaller-smarter-safer-473a45b77ca5Source snippet
Epirus' Leonidas: Smaller, Smarter, SaferAt its core, Epirus' revolutionary approach to high-power microwave is centered on one core prin...
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Title: airforce.gov.au Directed Energy Weapons
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Energy Weapons - Air and Space Power CentreEnvironmental conditions, atmospheric effects, weapon employment altitude, target material and...
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N) semiconductors for unmatched counter-electronics effects.Read more...
Additional References
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(PDF) Laser-Based Directed Energy WeaponsThis review aims to evaluate the current capabilities of laser-based Directed Energy Weapons (DE...
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Directed-Energy Counter-Drone: RF vs Laser...4 days ago — Comparison of counter-drone directed-energy systems: RF RapidDestroyer vs MBDA...
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Source: unmannedairspace.info
Link: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/us-army-releases-video-animation-of-high-powered-microwave-technology-designed-to-counter-drone-swarms/Source snippet
US Army releases video animation of high-powered...The US Air Force has released a video animation of the prototype directed energy weap...
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Link: https://www.marvel.com/characters/thor-thor-odinson -
Source: rottentomatoes.com
Link: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thor -
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Title: us gao report directed energy weapon technical maturity levels still lagging
Link: https://www.unmannedairspace.info/counter-uas-systems-and-policies/us-gao-report-directed-energy-weapon-technical-maturity-levels-still-lagging/Source snippet
Unmanned Airspacedirected energy weapon technical maturity levels still laggingUS GAO report: directed energy weapon technical maturity l...
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Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pwv1BOuqN4Source snippet
AFRL's THOR Tracks and Disables Drone SwarmTactical, High-power, Operational Responder, known as THOR, is a high-power microwave counter...
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Source: coherentmarketinsights.com
Title: directed energy weapons in counter drone missile defense 3576
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/blog/aerospace-and-defense/directed-energy-weapons-in-counter-drone-missile-defense-3576Source snippet
Directed Energy Weapons in CounterDrone Missile DefenseMay 4, 2026 — Ans: Weather conditions, power supply, and range restrictions affect...
Published: May 4, 2026
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Source: twz.com
Title: thor microwave anti drone system downs swarms in test
Link: https://www.twz.com/thor-microwave-anti-drone-system-downs-swarms-in-testSource snippet
The War ZoneTHOR Microwave Anti-Drone System Downs Swarms In Test19 May 2023 — The demonstration pitted the service's high-power microwav...
Published: May 2023
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Source: market.us
Link: https://market.us/report/directed-energy-weapons-market/Source snippet
ment and power generation constraints at altitude — challenges that...Read more...
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