Why It Matters

Drone threats are mounting across military and civilian domains, creating urgent pressure for federal action on counter-UAS technology. The new defense law reauthorized federal counter-drone authorities through 2028 and enabled state and local law enforcement to acquire C-UAS systems for the first time. FEMA simultaneously launched a historic $500 million Counter-UAS Grant Program, creating immediate procurement pathways.

For Epirus Inc., which develops high-power microwave systems to defeat drone swarms, the challenge is ensuring its technology gets included in federal standards and funding allocations as agencies rush to deploy capabilities. Multiple bills—including H.R. 5061, the LANDED Act, and the NEDD Act—advance different pathways to expand C-UAS authority, but the legislative language will determine winners and losers in the emerging market.

By the Numbers

Epirus Inc. spent $50,000 this quarter with Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc., continuing a relationship totaling over $1 million since 2020. The defense tech company has scaled its efforts significantly, deploying a multi-firm strategy alongside substantial in-house operations totaling over $4.3 million since 2022.

The lobbying team includes Anthony J. Lazarski, a veteran defense lobbyist and former Senate Armed Services Committee staffer, and Matt Schnappauf, who focuses on emerging defense technologies. Epirus also retained multiple other firms focusing on specific legislative priorities like defense authorization and appropriations.

Epirus’s total historical spending exceeds $6 million across multiple firms, signaling sustained commitment to federal advocacy. Competitors like Dedrone Holdings Inc. are also active, suggesting an intensifying competitive lobbying environment as Congress advances multiple counter-drone bills.

The Agenda

Epirus Inc. is lobbying on three primary issues: Defense Appropriations, Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), and Defense Authorizations. The company focuses on securing federal funding and favorable policy language for its drone-defeat technology, particularly its Leonidas system designed to counter swarms of unmanned aircraft.

Key legislation includes H.R. 5061 – Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize federal agencies’ counter-drone authorities; H.R. 6042 – LANDED Act, allowing state and local law enforcement to acquire C-UAS systems; and S. 1762 – NEDD Act, granting the Department of Energy expanded counter-drone authority for nuclear facilities.

Broader Context

Congress is mobilizing around counter-drone threats with unusual urgency and bipartisan consensus. The recent NDAA reauthorized federal C-UAS authorities through 2028 and created a framework for state and local law enforcement to acquire drone-defeat systems. FEMA’s $500 million Counter-UAS Grant Program distributes funds across fiscal years 2026-2027.

The urgency reflects escalating threats. Military assessments show the U.S. unprepared for adversary drone swarms. The FAA logs over 100 drone sightings monthly near airports, with nearly two-thirds of near-midair collisions at top 30 airports involving drones. International conflicts—particularly Russia-Ukraine—have demonstrated devastating drone tactics that Congress views as imminent domestic risks.

High-profile sporting events—the approaching Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup throughout 2025—have explicitly driven congressional authority and funding for C-UAS deployment, creating immediate procurement windows.

Between The Lines

Multiple House and Senate committees have held hearings on C-UAS gaps and requirements. The House Armed Services Subcommittee examined small UAS and counter-small UAS gaps, while the Transportation Committee reviewed C-UAS integration into national airspace.

Members including Senators Hoeven and Cramer (R-ND) have championed counter-drone strategy, while Senators Peters (D-MI) and Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the bipartisan Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense Act. The legislative environment reflects bipartisan urgency across military, civilian aviation, and critical infrastructure domains.

Competitive Landscape

Epirus faces direct competition from other specialized C-UAS providers actively lobbying Congress. Dedrone Holdings Inc. spent $60,000 in the last quarter on defense and homeland security appropriations related to counter-drone systems. Epirus’s own in-house team represents its largest lobbying investment, spending $420,000 in fourth quarter 2024 targeting the NDAA and counter-UAS legislation.

The Bottom Line

Epirus is maintaining its lobbying presence during a surge in congressional C-UAS activity, targeting defense appropriations and authorizations with a focus on counter-unmanned aircraft systems. With experienced Hill veterans like Lazarski leading the effort, the company is positioning itself in a rapidly expanding market where legislative language will determine commercial success.

Congress has moved aggressively on C-UAS legislation, with multiple bills expanding counter-drone authorities for federal, state, and local agencies. Epirus’s multimillion-dollar lobbying operation indicates it’s treating this market as a significant long-term bet.

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