Lockheed Martin unveils MORFIUS X-Rotor to fry drones with high-power microwaves

Lockheed Martin has unveiled its MORFIUS X-Rotor system, a new airborne high-power microwave (HPM) platform engineered to counter swarms of hostile drones. Announced at the Farnborough International Airshow, the system is designed to neutralize more than 50 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during a single mission, with the added benefit of being recoverable and reusable to reduce operational costs.

The MORFIUS X-Rotor is a ground-launched system that operates independently of specific sensors and integrates with existing command-and-control systems, eliminating the need for dedicated fire-control radars. This latest iteration builds upon earlier MORFIUS variants that have been in flight testing since 2017, utilizing the same family of HPM effectors. Unlike traditional methods that target drones individually with missiles or lasers, HPM systems emit powerful bursts of electromagnetic energy. This energy can disable the electronics of multiple drones at once, making it an effective countermeasure against swarm tactics by providing rapid, wide-area neutralization without expending costly single-use interceptors.

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MORFIUS sets a new benchmark for counter-drone capability – delivering a high kill rate while keeping the cost per kill low.

Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs, stated that MORFIUS "sets a new benchmark for counter-drone capability – delivering a high kill rate while keeping the cost per kill low." He emphasized the system's lightweight, field-reusable HPM architecture as the most effective, low-cost solution available, showcasing Lockheed Martin's commitment to delivering innovative technologies rapidly to meet the needs of American and allied forces.

The company is accelerating prototype production and planning additional flight tests following recent successful demonstrations in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma, where the system exhibited both interception and lethal capabilities. The introduction of MORFIUS X-Rotor comes amid growing interest in HPM counter-drone systems within the defense sector. Competitors like Epirus are developing similar ground-based platforms, and other major defense contractors, including Boeing and Thales, are exploring HPM technologies. Israel is also investing in HPM capabilities due to persistent drone threats from regional adversaries, evaluating their potential for disabling multiple drones simultaneously and minimizing collateral damage.

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By leveraging a lightweight, field reusable high-power microwave architecture, we provide the most effective, low-cost solution on the market today and demonstrate Lockheed Martin's ability to field innovative, affordable technologies at the speed our American and allied troops need.