Epirus to upgrade US Army’s high power microwave systems

Epirus has received a nearly USD17 million contract modification from the US Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) for the development and integration of an upgraded sensor suite in support of the Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) programme.

Under the scope of work, Epirus will integrate a closed-loop fire control system and perform software development to increase the operational suitability and effectiveness of the IFPC-HPM systems. The upgrades are designed to reduce engagement latency, enhance the soldier user experience and improve accuracy of the IFPC-HPM systems.

In May, Epirus announced the delivery of four IFPC-HPM systems to the Army after successful completion of Engineering Developmental Testing (EDT). Data collected during EDT demonstrated both the effectiveness of the Epirus-developed effector and revealed the need for additional work to make the system easier for soldiers to implement.

RCCTO awarded Epirus a USD66 million other transaction authority (OTA) for the rapid prototyping of four HPM systems to counter drone swarms in January 2023. Epirus finalised delivery of all four systems in March 2024.