Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have unveiled Leonidas Autonomous Robotic (Leonidas AR), a groundbreaking mobile counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) designed to neutralise drone threats with precision and efficiency. This collaboration merges Epirus’ high-power microwave (HPM) technology with GDLS’s TRX robotic ground vehicle, creating a versatile, low-collateral solution for short-range air defence.
The TRX robotic vehicle, the backbone of Leonidas AR, is engineered for all-terrain mobility, capable of autonomous or remote operation in high-risk environments. Equipped with AI-enhanced design, hybrid-electric propulsion, integrated radar, on-board computing, and a range exceeding 300 miles, the TRX provides unparalleled flexibility in counter-UAS missions.
“Epirus’ partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems is an industry-leading collaboration that continues to deliver real results,” said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. “Together, we are bringing world-first capabilities to market that directly answer the call of the Army Transformation Initiative.”
Leonidas AR leverages weaponised electromagnetic interference to disable electronic targets, offering a one-to-many defence capability against drone swarms. Its software-defined system allows operators to define safe zones, manage frequencies, and adapt engagement tactics dynamically, ensuring adaptability in rapidly evolving threat environments.
“By combining General Dynamics Land Systems’ decades of leadership in development and deployment of ground combat vehicles with Epirus’ premier non-kinetic counter-UAS effector, Leonidas AR achieves the level of next-generation technology that today’s battlefields demand,” said Jim Pasquarette, Vice President, U.S. Strategy & Business Development, General Dynamics Land Systems. “This new capability was born out of a partnership that leverages the best of American innovation to help our warfighters stay a step ahead.”
Leonidas AR is the second mobile counter-UAS system developed under the companies’ 2021 teaming agreement, following the 2022 introduction of Leonidas Stryker, which integrated the HPM platform into the U.S. Army’s Stryker vehicle fleet. This collaboration exemplifies a hybrid model that blends the scale of traditional defence primes with the innovation of neo-primes, driving advancements in military technology.
The companies’ partnership underscores a strategic shift in defence innovation, where agility and collaboration are key to addressing emerging threats. As drone technology proliferates, Leonidas AR represents a critical step forward in counter-UAS capabilities, offering a scalable, cost-effective solution that minimises collateral damage.
A full-scale Leonidas AR prototype is on display at Booth 7609 in Hall D/E during the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., providing attendees with a firsthand look at this cutting-edge defence system. The system’s debut marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile air defence, reinforcing the importance of cross-industry collaboration in shaping the future of military technology.