world
Lockheed Martin Shows Reusable Microwave Drone System at Farnborough Airshow
Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor ground-launched high-power microwave system at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow. The reusable platform can neutralize more than 50 drones per flight and works with any command and control network. The company also presented a lower-cost Patriot interceptor variant.
Jul 20, 11:04 AM·1m read1 source
forbes.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow in London on Monday. The ground-launched system is designed as a one-to-many airborne high-power microwave counter-UAS platform that can neutralize more than 50 enemy drones in a single flight. Defense News reported that the Morfius X-Rotor is built to be recovered and reused after missions.
It operates with any command and control system and requires no dedicated sensor or fire control radars. Randy Crites, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Advanced Programs, said the system sets a new benchmark for counter-drone capability by delivering a high kill rate while keeping the cost per kill low.
He added that the lightweight, field-reusable high-power microwave architecture provides the most effective low-cost solution on the market.
The company announced it is accelerating prototype production of both the drone and its high-power microwave payload to deliver systems to frontline troops. The Morfius completed recent flight tests in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma that demonstrated interception and lethal effects against targets. Lockheed Martin also introduced a cheaper Patriot interceptor variant on Monday.
Defense News reported the moves come as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on high-cost interceptors against cheaper threats such as Iranian missiles and Shahed drones.
