New airborne high power microwave counter-drone platform neutralizes over 50 hostile drones per flight and supports rapid field recovery for repeated use

/PRNewswire/ -- Hostile commercial drone swarms now rank among the top dangers facing allied troops in current combat zones. Lockheed Martin has introduced MORFIUS X-Rotor, its latest one-to-many airborne high power microwave counter-drone platform capable of disabling over 50 targets during one mission.

Built for quick recovery and reuse after each sortie, MORFIUS maintains a low cost per engagement to help preserve defense resources without sacrificing effectiveness. The system operates independently of specific sensors or command networks. Unlike competing airborne solutions, it functions with any available command and control setup and requires no dedicated fire-control radar.

To speed transition from development to operational use, Lockheed Martin is ramping up prototype builds of both the air vehicle and its microwave payload. Additional flight trials are scheduled following successful tests in Arizona, California and Oklahoma that validated flight performance, intercept profiles and target effects.

WHY IT MATTERS

Strategic Alignment: The program supports the U.S. Department of War 2025-2028 Rapid Response Counter-UAS Roadmap by delivering affordable, high-performance tools precisely when forces require them.
Unmatched Competitive Edge: MORFIUS stands as the sole ground-launched, field-recoverable airborne high power microwave system that achieves more than 50 drone defeats per flight with any command and control architecture and without reliance on dedicated radars, multiplying force protection for defended assets and personnel.
Reducing Risk: The X-Rotor design draws on earlier variants flown since 2017 and uses the same proven family of microwave effectors that defeat difficult targets while limiting unintended effects, making it well suited to contemporary operational demands.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
"MORFIUS establishes a fresh standard in counter-drone performance by combining high engagement rates with reduced cost per defeat," said Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs. "Through its lightweight, reusable high-power microwave design, the system delivers the most capable low-cost option available and shows Lockheed Martin's commitment to fielding innovative, budget-conscious technologies at the pace American and allied forces require."

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin