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A new unmanned counter-drone platform will make its debut at this year’s AUSA conference, combining high-power microwave technology with a fully autonomous ground vehicle. Known as Leonidas Autonomous Robotic (Leonidas AR), the system is designed to identify and disable drone threats without relying on traditional missiles or gunfire.
At the core of the system is the Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) weapon developed by Epirus. Rather than destroying drones with physical force, Leonidas disables them by targeting their electronics with bursts of directed microwave energy. This non-kinetic approach allows the system to handle multiple threats at once with minimal collateral damage — especially useful against swarms.
The weapon is mounted on General Dynamics Land Systems’ TRX, a 10-ton tracked robotic vehicle powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain and enhanced with autonomous navigation capabilities. TRX can operate independently or under remote control, and is built to handle rough terrain with a range of over 482 kilometers and a top speed of 72 kmph, according to Interesting Engineering.
One of the platform’s key strengths is flexibility. The HPM system is software-defined, so operators can fine-tune the energy output and frequency bands for different environments or mission profiles. Safe zones can be programmed to avoid disrupting friendly equipment, and system updates can be pushed remotely without taking it out of service.
Leonidas AR builds on earlier integration efforts, including a previous version of the microwave system mounted on a Stryker vehicle. This latest iteration adds full autonomy and increased mobility, reflecting a shift toward more modular, responsive short-range air defense systems.
A prototype of the system will be on display at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C..
As drone threats continue to evolve, systems like Leonidas AR suggest a shift in how militaries may approach air defense: with fast, flexible platforms that counter emerging threats without firing a shot.
