Defense technology startup Epirus has raised $250 million in a Series D funding round, as it looks to scale up production of its anti-drone weapons, the company said on Wednesday.

Los Angeles-based startup Epirus raised a $250 million Series D led by 8VC and Washington Harbour Partners in the latest example of a defense tech raising big.

Epirus plans to expand production of its directed-energy weapons and jump into overseas and commercial markets on the heels of a $250 million funding round. Why it matters: Powerful lasers and microwaves are exploding in popularity as militaries scramble to more effectively — cheaply,