Allen Control Systems Lands SOCOM Deal for Autonomous Anti-Drone Turrets
American startup Allen Control Systems has inked a deal with the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to supply its autonomous anti-drone turrets, known as Bullfrog. The company, led by Luke Allen and Simoni, aims to tackle the growing threat of drones, a concern that has escalated in recent conflicts like the one in Ukraine.
Allen and Simoni, previously behind the successful delivery robot company Bbot, developed the Bullfrog in response to the increasing drone threats faced by the USA. The system, named Leonidas, works by projecting directed microwave energy that disrupts or permanently damages the electronic systems of unmanned platforms. It offers hope for protecting infrastructure and maneuver units from massed drone attacks, pending availability and integration.
In tests, Epirus, the US defense company behind Leonidas, successfully disabled 61 unmanned aerial vehicles in a single event with a 100% success rate. The system's ability to handle multiple platforms in one pulse makes it attractive for static site defense and logistics hubs, addressing the problem of saturation attacks by drones. The US Army has already awarded Epirus a $43.5 million contract to upgrade first-generation systems into improved variants with enhanced range, power, and multi-target capabilities. Ukraine, meanwhile, has invited manufacturers to test counter-drone systems, including Leonidas, in combat conditions to rapidly iterate and improve technology.
Allen Control Systems' Bullfrog autonomous anti-drone turrets, powered by Leonidas' high-power microwave technology, are set to bolster the USA military's drone defense capabilities. With upcoming milestones like Epirus' GEN II roadmap and Army evaluations, Leonidas' fielding and procurement are on the horizon. Meanwhile, real-world testing in Ukraine promises to refine and enhance the system's effectiveness.
