Autonomous Defense Technology Gains Momentum Amid Growing Counter-Drone Threats

General Dynamics Land Systems, Epirus, and Kodiak AI unveiled a new mobile, autonomous vehicle for counter unmanned aerial system (UAS) missions, dubbed the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV). The prototype, which uses Kodiak’s autonomous driving software and Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) c-UAS platform, has been developed in response to the Army’s request for a mobile HMP solution. The system is currently in the prototyping phase and is expected to be tested with the Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401 this year, pending Army interest. The companies hope to embed the product with the Army-led JIATF 401, which is responsible for the Defense Department’s counter-drone efforts regarding homeland defense, as well as the broader Army. The AGV is seen as a potential solution for defense and homeland security, and its ability to take down drones without causing much surrounding damage and its cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for the Army.