The U.S. Marine Corps just received ExDECS, a powerful microwave weapon built to stop drone swarms. Learn what it means for future tactical defense.
Introduction:
🚨 Tactical Innovation on the Front Lines
The U.S. Marine Corps has officially received its first microwave-based anti-drone weapon, marking a huge step forward in non-kinetic defense. Known as ExDECS (Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm), this mobile, solid-state system is designed to fry the electronics inside unmanned aerial systems, dropping drones from the sky with a wave of radio energy.
This isn’t science fiction. It’s active tech.
And if you’re paying attention to drone warfare—whether abroad or here at home—you know exactly how big of a deal this is.
💡 What Is ExDECS?
ExDECS is a tactical, trailer-mounted weapon system developed by Epirus, built off the company’s scalable Leonidas high-power microwave platform. Unlike traditional laser systems that hit one target at a time, ExDECS disrupts entire drone swarms in a single sweep by broadcasting targeted microwave radiation over a wide area.
This system was recently delivered to the U.S. Navy’s weapons division for live trials. It passed acceptance testing and is now heading into a formal test program with Marine Corps units.
🔍 Why Does It Matter?
Let’s break it down:
- Swarm drones are a real threat.
From reconnaissance to payload delivery, drones are getting cheaper, faster, and smarter. The battlefield is shifting—whether you’re in Ukraine or watching a suburban sky. - Traditional defenses don’t scale.
You can’t shoot a $5,000 missile at a $500 drone swarm and call that sustainable. ExDECS changes the game. - Microwave weapons offer ‘area denial’ for electronics—stopping drones cold without needing ammo or direct contact.
- Each drone takedown? About 5 cents.
That’s the price tag Epirus claims for an ExDECS engagement, making it ridiculously cost-effective for defending bases, convoys, or infrastructure.
🧠 Tactical Lessons for the Rest of Us
The rise of microwave-based weapons is more than military news—it’s a reminder that the future of preparedness is changing fast:
- Electronic warfare isn’t just for nation-states anymore.
Civilians, contractors, and even small security teams need to start thinking about how they’ll counter drones in real-world scenarios. - The tools are evolving.
From systems like ExDECS to more compact, handheld jammers, the industry is moving toward more scalable and non-kinetic solutions. - Readiness isn’t optional.
If you’re defending property, training tactically, or outfitting a team, you need to understand these threats—and what’s coming next.
🧭 Our Take at Sirius Arms
We believe in staying informed, equipped, and a step ahead of emerging tech threats. That’s why we keep an eye on systems like ExDECS—not just for what they can do, but for what they signal:
The battlefield is electronic.
The fight is asymmetric.
And preparedness is no longer just about firepower—it’s about adaptation.
Whether you’re building your defense setup, upgrading your training, or just staying alert, this development is one worth paying attention to.
👉 Stay tuned for more updates on cutting-edge tech that affects real-world shooters, defenders, and preparedness-minded citizens.
Subscribe to Sirius Arms for gear drops, tactical insights, and expert-backed tools you can count on.
