05-03-2025
Drone-frying defense firm Epirus raises $250 million
Epirus plans to expand production of its directed-energy weapons and jump into overseas and commercial markets on the heels of a $250 million funding round.
Why it matters: Powerful lasers and microwaves are exploding in popularity as militaries scramble to more effectively — cheaply, quickly, sustainably — counter drones.
Widespread adoption, however, is still lacking.
Follow the money: This latest funding round, led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, pushes Epirus' venture account beyond $550 million.
The company previously won a $66 million prototyping contract with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
How it works: Epirus makes Leonidas, which can be towed or mounted to combat vehicles like the Stryker. It zaps electronics with blasts of energy.
This can bring down handfuls of drones and kill small motors.
More than two dozen directed-energy initiatives are underway across the military, according to a study published by the Emerging Technologies Institute.
What they're saying: "A new era of threats mandates a shift from a 'one to one' mindset to a 'one to many' way of thinking for short-range air defense," CEO Andy Lowery said, "and we are primed to support the Department of Defense in this new way of warfare."
What's next: Epirus will open what it's calling an "immersive simulation center" later this year in Oklahoma, home to Fort Sill and the Joint Counter-Small UAS University.
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