Defense technology company Epirus has secured $250 million in a Series D funding round, signaling growing demand for its anti-drone weaponry. The company, which specializes in directed energy systems to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), plans to use the new capital to scale up production, expand into new markets, and strengthen its supply chain.
The funding round was co-led by venture capital firm 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners LP, a D.C.-based investment firm. General Dynamics Land Systems, the tank manufacturing unit of U.S. defense giant General Dynamics, also participated. This brings Epirus’s total funding to over $550 million.
Epirus’s flagship product, Leonidas, utilizes microwave technology to disable drones. The rapid advancement and proliferation of drone technology have created an urgent need for effective counter-drone systems. In 2023, Epirus was awarded a $66 million contract to supply Leonidas to the U.S. Army.
The company’s expansion plans also include opening a new simulation center in Oklahoma to train soldiers in counter-drone warfare. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions to address modern warfare challenges.
The latest funding round underscores the growing importance of defense technology and the increasing need for companies like Epirus that develop innovative solutions to protect against emerging threats. The company’s focus on directed energy weapons positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of modern defense.
With the new funding, Epirus plans to expand its operations internationally and into commercial markets. They will also focus on strengthening their supply chain and growing their workforce to meet the rising demand for their products.
(Reporting by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)
