Monitoring Desk
Islamabad: The United States Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has awarded a contract to the high-tech company Epirus. The agreement centers on the company’s prototypes of its Leonidas high-power microwave system that is capable of zapping the electronics of drones.
Currently, the American military is looking for new capabilities as threats from its foes’ unmanned aerial vehicles are increasing.
The Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High-Power Microwave Program will be buttressed by the Leonidas system.
High-power microwave Leonidas system to zap drones
A press statement from Epirus has said the collaboration with RCCTO centers on the rapid delivery of a number of prototype systems of Leonidas for a sum of $66.1 million during the current years. These systems will have options that would allow them to be equipped with extra more support service.
The press release went on to say that these prototypes will have an integrated high-power microwave capability.
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Through the contract, the company will collaborate with RCCTO to convert Leonidas into a future program after the prototypes have been successfully demonstrated.
The Pentagon is eager on acquiring directed energy weapons during missions to counter UAVs (drones) as they are less expensive to operate as compared to air-defense systems that fire missiles, and can take-out more targets as they possess deeper magazines and don’t need to be reloaded.
