A team led by General Dynamics Land Systems has unveiled a prototype autonomous ground vehicle designed to counter drones using high-power microwave technology, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop mobile and lower-cost air defense solutions.
The system, called the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle, was presented at the Global Force 2026 event in Huntsville, Alabama. It combines a commercial Ford F600 truck with autonomous driving software from Kodiak AI and a high-power microwave counter-drone system developed by Epirus.
The platform is intended to provide a mobile capability to detect and defeat unmanned systems without relying on traditional missile interceptors.
Prototype system targets mobility and cost
According to company representatives, the system is still in the prototype phase and has not yet demonstrated the ability to neutralize drones while operating autonomously. However, developers say it could offer a more flexible and potentially lower-cost alternative to existing air defense systems.
High-power microwave weapons are designed to disable drones by disrupting their electronics rather than physically destroying them, which can reduce the risk of debris and collateral damage.
The autonomous driving capability allows the vehicle to operate across different terrains without a human driver, potentially reducing risk to personnel during operations.
Developers say the platform could be used to protect a range of sites, including military bases, airports and critical infrastructure. The team is seeking opportunities to test the system with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which coordinates counter-drone efforts across the Department of Defense and other agencies.
The project follows earlier testing of Epirus’ microwave systems, including deployments in military exercises in the Indo-Pacific and recent evaluations with the U.S. Army.
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Post Image Credit: Epirus
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