Epirus Inc.’s technology could aid in fight against drone swarms, have applications beyond military
In an effort to counter the growing threat of drone swarms, California-based company, Epirus Inc., has offered the U.S. Navy a new High-Powered Microwave (HPM) system. The system, which is designed to disrupt and disable the electronics of multiple drones simultaneously, could provide an effective defense against drone swarms that pose a threat to military and civilian targets.
The growing use of drones by both state and non-state actors has led to concerns about the potential for drone swarms to overwhelm traditional defenses. Drone swarms are groups of drones that can be programmed to operate together, communicating with each other to carry out coordinated attacks.
Epirus Inc.’s HPM system uses directed energy to disrupt the electronics of drones, rendering them useless. The system is designed to be scalable, allowing it to take on a range of targets, from single drones to large swarms. The company has already demonstrated the effectiveness of the system in tests carried out for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Epirus Inc. CEO Leigh Madden stated, “Drone swarms have the potential to pose a serious threat to our military and critical infrastructure, and we are proud to offer a solution that can counter this threat. Our HPM system is designed to be effective, efficient, and affordable, making it a valuable tool for defense against drone swarms.”
The U.S. Navy has been actively seeking new technologies to counter the drone threat, with a particular focus on drone swarms. The Navy’s request for proposals for the development of a counter-drone system explicitly cited the need for a system capable of countering drone swarms.
Epirus Inc.’s HPM system could potentially fill this need, providing the Navy with a valuable tool in the fight against drone swarms. The system could also have applications beyond the military, with potential uses in securing critical infrastructure and protecting civilians from drone threats.
The growing threat of drone swarms has led to a flurry of activity in the development of counter-drone technologies. Companies like Epirus Inc. are at the forefront of this effort, offering innovative solutions to a complex and rapidly evolving threat. As the use of drones continues to grow, the need for effective countermeasures will only become more pressing.