Lockheed Martin Unveils Morfius X-Rotor to Neutralize 50 Drones per Flight
Updated
Updated · Defense News · Jul 20
Lockheed Martin Unveils Morfius X-Rotor to Neutralize 50 Drones per Flight
2 articles · Updated · Defense News · Jul 20
Summary
Lockheed Martin said its new ground-launched Morfius X-Rotor uses high-power microwaves to neutralize more than 50 enemy drones in a single flight, targeting swarm threats with a reusable weapon.
The company pitched the system at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow as a low-cost-per-kill alternative to expensive interceptors, saying it can plug into any command-and-control network without unique sensors or fire-control radars.
Prototype production of both the drone and its HPM payload is being accelerated for frontline use after recent flight tests in Arizona, California and Oklahoma demonstrated interception and lethal effects.
The launch comes as the U.S. military faces pressure to curb spending on air defense after rapidly burning through interceptor stockpiles against Iranian missiles and Shahed drones.
As microwave weapons counter drone swarms, what is the next 'un-jammable' threat emerging from the shadows of modern warfare?
Beyond the battlefield, how will this new anti-drone tech change security for our airports, power grids, and public events?
With billions at stake, what are the undisclosed weaknesses of new microwave weapons that rival systems might already be exploiting?
MORFIUS X-Rotor Unveiled: Lockheed Martin’s High-Power Microwave System Neutralizes 50+ Drones Per Flight, Ushering in a New Era of Counter-UAS Defense
Overview
Lockheed Martin unveiled the MORFIUS X-Rotor at the London Farnborough Airshow in July 2026, introducing a new solution to the growing threat of hostile drone swarms on the battlefield. As drone attacks increase, traditional defenses struggle due to the high cost and rapid depletion of interceptors. MORFIUS X-Rotor uses high-power microwave technology to neutralize over 50 enemy drones in a single flight, offering a cost-effective and reusable alternative. This system is designed to be affordable, effective, and easily integrated into existing defense networks, marking a significant step forward in counter-drone technology.