The US Marine Corps has selected Epirus for an $11 million contract to provide its vehicle-based HAVOC high-power microwave system for defeating drone swarms. Derived from the company’s Leonidas weapon, HAVOC incorporates a universal sled-mounted design that enables deployment on a range of Marine Corps manned and unmanned ground vehicles. The system represents the next development of Epirus’ ExDECS, delivered to the USMC in 2025, and is designed to deliver significantly greater counter-drone performance. Leonidas combines solid-state high-power microwave technology with gallium nitride amplifiers to produce electromagnetic effects capable of engaging multiple UAVs. HAVOC is expected to generate three times the power of ExDECS while offering greater range, improved durability, and autonomous operation that can reduce the cognitive and decision-making demands on operators. As a mobile and non-kinetic counter-UAS capability, HAVOC will strengthen the Marine Corps’ layered low-altitude air-defense network alongside systems such as the FIM-92 Stinger. It is designed to defend critical forward assets, including air-defense units, fuel points, radar systems, communications equipment, and power infrastructure. The latest microwave architecture also supports expanded coverage, higher power levels, and software-controlled real-time tuning to optimize effects against evolving drone threats. In addition to system delivery, the contract provides for training and long-term service and sustainment, with options for further systems and related capabilities.
