Lockheed Martin is advancing its defense capabilities by introducing a layered counter-drone architecture that integrates kinetic, electronic, and directed-energy systems across land, maritime, and autonomous platforms. The company states this approach moves beyond single-effector defenses to address increasingly autonomous unmanned aircraft and coordinated drone swarms.
The system combines networked sensors with AI-enabled command and control software. It utilizes Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) alongside MORFIUS high-power microwave technology. This configuration aims to provide U.S. and allied forces with multiple options for detecting and neutralizing threats across various environments.
A key component of the architecture is the JAGM, which has been adapted for counter-unmanned aircraft systems missions. The missile features a dual-mode seeker that merges semi-active laser and millimeter-wave radar technologies. Lockheed Martin says this allows the weapon to detect, classify, and track specific unmanned aircraft under different conditions.
In June 2026, the company demonstrated an integrated capability developed in less than 45 days. During the test, a Sanctum C-UAS battle manager and Fortem R-40 radar detected and tracked a Group 3 one-way attack drone. A JAGM launched from a GRIZZLY containerized launcher then intercepted the target.
The U.S. Army separately reported that Yuma Proving Ground tested the GRIZZLY vertical launcher with JAGM as part of a counter-UAS demonstration. The launcher is housed in a 10-foot shipping container, offering a compact deployment method for the missile system.
