Epirus, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), and Kodiak AI are bringing autonomy and high-power microwave effects together in a mobile system designed to counter evolving drone threats.
The companies have introduced the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV), a platform that integrates a commercial Ford F600 model truck, Kodiak’s autonomy kit, and Epirus’ Leonidas microwave weapon into a single counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability.
GDLS serves as the lead integrator, tasked with bringing all components together.
The integration is meant to provide military forces with a mobile weapon that can be remotely operated or run autonomously, extending coverage across both fixed-site and expeditionary missions.
It can move to pre-planned intercept points or operate along a perimeter to protect critical assets from single, swarming, or fiber optic-controlled drone threats.
Leonidas AGV is intended for a range of missions, including the protection of military installations, forward operating bases, airports, ports, energy infrastructure, and even major public events.
“Saturation drone attacks demand a fundamentally different approach to defense,” said Andy Lowery, chief executive officer of Epirus.
“Leonidas AGV combines autonomous mobility with high-power microwave effects to deliver a counter-UAS capability that rapidly maneuvers to defeat drone swarms without more boots on the ground.”
A Smart Combination?
Leonidas uses electromagnetic effects to disrupt drones that may be resistant to conventional electronic warfare methods.
A single unit can engage multiple targets simultaneously, extending coverage against swarm tactics and other rapidly evolving aerial threats.
The Kodiak Driver autonomy stack enables Leonidas AGV to operate across diverse environments, from structured road networks to unstructured off-road terrain.
Its modular architecture supports reliable movement in conditions where human operation may be inefficient or unsafe, helping maintain continuous counter-UAS coverage in dynamic environments.
