AUSA 2025: Epirus Leonidas Autonomous Robotic ushers in a new era of directed microwave defense.

Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems unveiled Leonidas Autonomous Robotic at AUSA in Washington, integrating the Leonidas high-power microwave effector on the TRX tracked robotic vehicle. The concept aims to give maneuver units a magazine-deep, software-defined way to defeat small drones and preserve kinetic interceptors for tougher targets.

On the AUSA show floor, Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems introduced a remotely operated counter-UAS platform that marries Epirus’ Leonidas high power microwave module with GDLS’ TRX robotic chassis. Company materials describe a one-to-many defeat effect against small uncrewed aircraft, with operators able to notch protected bands, shape waveforms, and set software geofences to limit collateral electromagnetic effects. GDLS positions TRX as a hybrid electric, autonomy-ready carrier with 360-degree sensing, onboard compute, a listed 45-mile-per-hour top speed and more than 300 miles of range, intended to keep soldiers out of the threat envelope.
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Leonidas Autonomous Robotic counter-UAS system pairing Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave with General Dynamics Land Systems’ TRX unmanned tracked vehicle on display at AUSA 2025 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The core of the platform is the Leonidas high-power microwave module. According to the company, the module emits focused microwave pulses designed to disable onboard electronics on uncrewed aircraft and related nodes. The intended effect follows a one to many engagement profile, meaning a single pulse can put several platforms offline when conditions allow. Epirus states that the current generation improves effective range over the 2022 baseline and raises output power while retaining a compact package suited to expeditionary needs. The firm reports live fire trials at Camp Atterbury in which 61 of 61 aerial targets are neutralized, including a final event where a swarm of 49 drones is brought down with one pulse. These results come from controlled demonstrations and require validation in operational conditions, but they show how the manufacturer frames the intended effect.

The Leonidas module is software-defined. Operators can exclude protected frequency bands, shape waveforms to match mission constraints, and set geofenced safe zones to limit unintended effects. This approach addresses a recurring issue in crowded electromagnetic environments where friendly radios, friendly drones, civilian infrastructure, and non cooperative emitters share spectrum. A software-controlled transmitter also allows remote updates to emission parameters and tactics without depot intervention, which aligns with the concept of an uncrewed node that adapts quickly as threats and friendly networks evolve.

The carrier is the TRX tracked robotic platform from General Dynamics Land Systems. TRX is part of the US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle family and brings hybrid electric propulsion, an autonomy kit, and payload capacity sized for short-range air defense and other missions. In the Leonidas AR configuration, GDLS highlights integrated 360 degree sensing, onboard computing, and energy storage designed for long-duration missions. Epirus lists a top speed of 45 miles per hour and a range exceeding 300 miles, with teleoperated or autonomous control intended to keep personnel away from lethal zones. The companies also note development of a wheeled variant to address different mobility profiles.

The employment concept places Leonidas AR between fixed site defenses and short-range kinetic interceptors. A mobile effector with electronic defeat effects offers persistence against many small drones without consuming missiles or projectiles, preserving those magazines for targets that require them. The platform is designed to maneuver with brigades and to cover flanks, logistics nodes, and command posts. If the one to many effect is confirmed in operational settings, commanders can adjust shot doctrine against swarms and may compel opposing UAS operators to commit more platforms to achieve the same mass. The software functions that exclude friendly bands and draw safe zones aim to reduce risks of electromagnetic fratricide when friendly radios and drones saturate the airspace.

The appearance at AUSA also reflects a production and test rhythm cited by Epirus in recent months. In July 2025, the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office awarded a 43.5 million dollar contract for Indirect Fire Protection Capability high power microwave Generation II systems. Epirus indicates that this increment more than doubles the effective range and increases power by about 30 percent compared with Generation I, while adding wider pulse widths and high duty burst modes to accelerate multi target engagements. These characteristics align with the maneuver protection mission targeted by Leonidas AR and suggest a path from prototype to deployable configurations as the Army refines its counter-UAS roadmap across fixed and mobile architectures.

On the show floor, the companies present their collaboration as the pairing of a ground vehicle manufacturer with a directed energy supplier. The message stresses integration on a platform designed for autonomy and payload growth, and a transmitter built for software control and modular upgrades. The package is intended to provide a mobile node operating from forward or rear areas that can be reconfigured as the drone threat evolves during a campaign. The firms invite attendees to examine the system and assess its place within short range air defense layers that now combine sensors, kinetic effectors, jamming, and directed energy.

Presented at AUSA 2025 by Epirus since yesterday, Leonidas Autonomous Robotic uses the TRX chassis from General Dynamics Land Systems and a high-power microwave architecture. The manufacturer highlights software integration intended to adjust effects and reduce risks of electromagnetic fratricide, while robotic mobility aims to provide area protection close to maneuver forces. If the stated performance is confirmed beyond demonstrations, the spread of this type of vehicle can accelerate within maneuver units and at logistics sites as the threat from drone swarms intensifies.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group

Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.