EM Weapon Downs Drone Swarm in Seconds

Sep 3, 2025

A groundbreaking test in Indiana has shown the potential of new electromagnetic weapons to neutralize drone swarms in seconds. Defense contractor Epirus successfully demonstrated its Leonidas system against 49 quadcopters at Camp Atterbury, an event witnessed by U.S. military officials and foreign allies, including partners in the Indo-Pacific. CEO Andy Lowery described the technology as a “forcefield system” and even a “singularity event,” highlighting its ability to shift the balance in drone warfare. The test underscores both the promise of drone technology and the urgent need for countermeasures as unmanned aerial systems become increasingly central to modern conflict.

The demonstration comes as the Pentagon accelerates its push for drone dominance, spurred by lessons from Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently reclassified small drones as consumables like ammunition, empowering lower-level commanders to procure them quickly and requiring every U.S. squad to field American-made drones by 2026. Yet, the success of counter-systems like Leonidas shows that as the U.S. expands its drone fleet, adversaries may develop or deploy advanced defenses just as quickly. This creates a strategic challenge—balancing the offensive advantages of cheap, agile drones with the reality that electromagnetic weapons could render them vulnerable on the battlefield.

Our brother, Britt Gillette, has written and produced videos about drone swarms in the past. Check them out here: