Lockheed Martin unveils reusable microwave weapon to counter drone swarms

Lockheed Martin unveils reusable microwave weapon to counter drone swarms

Image: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has released MORFIUS X-Rotor, an airborne High Power Microwave system that can down more than 50 hostile drones in a single flight. The launch responds to a growing threat: commercial drone swarms increasingly endanger allied forces on modern battlefields.

Engineers designed the “one-to-many” system for field recovery and reuse, which keeps the cost per kill low. This protects defence budgets while sustaining high firepower against saturated drone attacks.

MORFIUS also works independently of any single sensor or command system. Ground forces can guide it using whatever command and control setup they already operate, unlike rival airborne counter-drone systems that need dedicated sensors.

Lockheed Martin is now accelerating prototype production of MORFIUS and its microwave payload, as per a recent press statement. Engineers are also planning further flight tests, building on trials in Arizona, California and Oklahoma that assessed flight, intercept and lethality performance.

The programme supports the US Department of War’s 2025-2028 Rapid Response Counter-UAS Roadmap, which prioritises affordable, effective solutions for frontline forces. Lockheed Martin positions MORFIUS as the only ground-launched, field-reusable airborne microwave system able to deliver more than 50 kills per flight without relying on fire control radars.

The X-Rotor variant builds on earlier MORFIUS systems that have flown since 2017, drawing on a microwave effector family proven against difficult targets while limiting collateral damage.

Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs, commented: “MORFIUS sets a new benchmark for counter-drone capability, delivering a high kill rate while keeping the cost per kill low.” He added: “We provide the most effective, low-cost solution on the market today and demonstrate our ability to field innovative, affordable technologies at the speed our American and allied troops need.”

Learn more on Lockheed Martin’s website

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