Epirus’s Leonidas high-power microwave weapon recently underwent a successful live-fire demonstration in Indiana, showcasing its ability to neutralize drone swarms. The latest Leonidas system disabled all 61 drones targeted, including taking down 49 with a single beam. This updated version boasts enhanced range and lethality compared to its predecessors. The demonstration, attended by U.S. and allied representatives, highlighted Leonidas’s capabilities in selectively targeting drones and ensuring safe drone landing zones, solidifying its position as a key counter-swarm solution.
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Swarmer, a Ukrainian company specializing in AI-powered drone autonomy, has received US$15 million in funding from US investors, marking a significant investment in Ukrainian defense technology. This investment will allow Swarmer to equip every drone with swarm capabilities, significantly expanding its operational capacity on the battlefield. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted the effectiveness of Swarmer’s technologies, noting that these swarm capabilities facilitate the deployment of numerous drones and robots, even with limited trained operators. The funding follows earlier reports of US company Auterion supplying Ukraine with AI strike kits, also designed to enable drone swarm functionality.
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According to sources cited by Caliber.Az, Azerbaijan may consider lifting its ban on supplying weapons to Ukraine due to recent Russian attacks targeting Azerbaijani-linked energy infrastructure in Ukraine. These attacks include strikes on a SOCAR oil depot and a gas distribution station, with recent attacks prompting discussion between Presidents Zelensky and Aliyev. Previously, Azerbaijan had refrained from supplying arms to Ukraine but had provided humanitarian aid, however the situation appears to be evolving. The potential policy shift follows a history of close energy and trade ties between the two countries, suggesting a significant change in Azerbaijan’s stance on the conflict.
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Following a call with Putin that yielded no progress on a Ukraine peace deal, President Trump expressed frustration, using expletives to describe Putin’s actions and confirming the U.S. would send more weapons to Kyiv. Trump’s decision includes sending Patriot interceptors and pushing for increased arms production by defense contractors. The Kremlin responded, stating that sending arms only prolongs the conflict, while Ukrainian officials express concern given the contradictory announcements.
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Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 500 Shahed drones and over 20 missiles into Ukraine, prompting President Zelenskyy to denounce the country’s use as a weapons testing ground. These attacks, including a record number of Shahed drones in October and a recent deployment of the Oreshnik missile, are causing widespread damage and straining Ukraine’s air defenses. Ukraine is actively seeking additional air defense systems and developing countermeasures, including low-cost FPV drones, to combat the ongoing aerial assault. The situation is further complicated by Russia’s continuous modification of its drones and exploration of AI-enabled drone swarms.
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John Q. Hosedrinker