The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded electronic warfare specialist Epirus an $11 million contract to supply a vehicle-mounted high-power microwave system designed to counter drone swarms. Based on Epirus’ Leonidas directed-energy technology, the High-power Microwave Autonomous Vehicle Operational Capability (HAVOC) features a universal sled mount that allows integration with both manned and unmanned Marine Corps ground vehicles. HAVOC builds on the company’s Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) system, which was delivered to the USMC in 2025. Leonidas uses solid-state high-power microwave components and gallium nitride amplifiers to generate and amplify electromagnetic energy for engaging multiple unmanned aerial systems simultaneously. Compared with ExDECS, HAVOC is expected to provide approximately three times the power, extended range, enhanced ruggedness, and autonomous functions intended to reduce operator workload. The mobile, non-kinetic system will complement the Marine Corps’ existing low-altitude air-defense capabilities, including the FIM-92 Stinger, as part of a layered counter-drone architecture. HAVOC is intended to protect air-defense assets, refueling sites, radars, communications infrastructure, power systems, and other forward-deployed assets from drone attacks. Its advanced microwave architecture is designed to broaden coverage, increase power output, and enable continuous software-based tuning to enhance operational performance and electronic effects. The contract also covers training, maintenance, and sustainment, with options for an additional system and associated capabilities.
