Lockheed Martin has introduced Morfius X-Rotor, an airborne high-power microwave (HPM) weapon designed to defeat large groups of drones during a single mission.
The company says the reusable system can neutralize more than 50 drones before returning for recovery and another sortie. Unlike interceptor missiles or gun-based systems, Morfius uses directed microwave energy to disrupt or damage the electronics of multiple unmanned aircraft simultaneously.
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June 06, 2026
The new version builds on the Morfius program, which has been in flight testing since 2017. Lockheed Martin said recent trials in Arizona, California and Oklahoma included evaluations of flight performance, target intercepts and weapon effectiveness.
The system is launched from the ground but operates as an autonomous airborne vehicle. According to Lockheed Martin, it can work with a variety of existing sensors and command-and-control networks rather than requiring a dedicated fire-control radar.
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Countering mass drone attacks has become a growing priority for Western militaries following conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where inexpensive unmanned aircraft have been used to overwhelm traditional air defense systems.
High-power microwave weapons have emerged as one approach because they can engage multiple targets at once without expending conventional ammunition.
Lockheed Martin said it is increasing prototype production of Morfius and its microwave payload ahead of additional flight testing. The company did not disclose when the system could enter operational service or whether it has received production orders.
