US Marine Corps awards $11M contract to Epirus for HAVOC microwave drone killer

Published Aug 10, 12:59 PM UTC

The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded an $11 million contract to Epirus for a vehicle-mounted high-power microwave weapon called HAVOC (High-power Microwave Autonomous Vehicle Operational Capability), designed to autonomously identify and destroy swarms of drones with an electromagnetic pulse. The system, to be delivered in early 2027, triples the power density of the earlier ExDECS prototype and features improved ruggedness, range, and autonomous targeting. Epirus CEO Andy Lowery noted the weapon provides a 'force field' effect with minimal collateral damage, suitable for defending critical points and mobile Marine expeditionary units. The contract follows successful Army testing of Epirus' Leonidas system, which downed 49 drones in a single pulse. HAVOC will integrate with Marine Corps ground vehicle fleets via a universal sled mount and complement existing counter-drone systems like L-MADIS.