Epirus has secured an $11 million US Marine Corps contract to provide HAVOC, a mobile high-power microwave system designed to defend against drone swarms. Based on the company’s Leonidas technology, HAVOC is being developed as a vehicle-mounted, non-kinetic counter-UAS capability that can operate alongside existing Marine air-defense systems. The system features a universal sled mount intended for installation on a variety of manned and unmanned ground vehicles. It evolves Epirus’ Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm system, delivered to the Marine Corps in 2025, with improvements intended to provide greater power, range, durability, and autonomy. Leonidas uses solid-state high-power microwave technology and gallium nitride amplifiers to generate electromagnetic energy capable of engaging multiple drones. HAVOC is expected to protect critical forward assets, including air-defense systems, radars, communications equipment, refueling points, and power infrastructure. The program also includes training, service, and sustainment support, strengthening the Marine Corps’ layered approach to countering increasingly common drone threats.
