Future‑Ready Defence: Global Partnerships, Multi‑Domain...

Future‑Ready Defence: Global Partnerships, Multi‑Domain Launch Platforms and C‑UAS Bolster Indo‑Pacific Readiness 

October 04, 2026
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The Indo-Pacific’s rapidly shifting security environment demands next generation integrated defence solutions that go beyond conventional concepts. Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) solutions, paired with advanced multidomain launch platforms, enable allied forces to detect, defeat and deter unmanned threats while delivering precise strike power across domains. 

By weaving together innovative technology, interoperable systems and strong Indo‑Pacific partnerships, Lockheed Martin’s unified capability empowers regional allies to maintain air‑space dominance, protect critical assets and project decisive force wherever the challenge arises.

Advanced Layered C-UAS Integration

Countering UAS isn't about any one sensor or interceptor. It's about an integrated, layered architecture that can detect, identify, track, and defeat threats at speed and at scale. Lockheed Martin is focused on delivering an open, interoperable C-UAS ecosystem that allows customers to integrate best-of-breed technologies and adapt as threats continue to evolve.

Lockheed Martin’s Sanctum™ isn’t just another C-UAS capability. It’s a new signal of deterrence. Designed to evolve with every engagement, Sanctum uses advanced AI, cloud computing, and combat-proven systems to detect, identify, track, and defeat the most complex UAS threats, whether it’s a solo drone or a coordinated swarm.  

This is integrated defence for the modern battlespace: modular and scalable to meet evolving mission needs, seamlessly interoperable with existing infrastructure, and built on real-world mission experience to deliver proven performance when it matters most.

When it comes to countering commercial swarms of hostile drones, MORFIUS® X-Rotor offers a sensor- and command and control-agnostic solution. Designed for field recovery and reuse, MORFIUS keeps a significantly low cost per kill, protecting defence budgets while maintaining relentless firepower. 

MORFIUS
Lockheed Martin’s MORFIUS® X-Rotor is the first of its kind counter-drone system.

 

This airborne, high-power microwave (HPM) counter-drone system can neutralize more than 50 enemy drones in a single flight. MORFIUS X-Rotor builds off past variants which have flown since 2017 and leverages the same family of HPM effectors, which have proven they can take down the hardest targets while minimizing collateral damage. The system is uniquely suited for today's modern battlefield challenges.

Next‑Generation Multi‑Domain Launch Platforms

Across the globe, next‑generation multi‑domain launch platforms are showcasing how rapid, precise firepower can be delivered seamlessly across air, land and sea environments. Leveraging advanced propulsion, networking and modular payload options, these systems give Indo‑Pacific forces the flexibility to respond instantly to emerging threats wherever they arise.

Throughout the year, GRIZZLY™ has demonstrated the ability to load and launch both HELLFIRE and JAGM in 45-degree launch, vertical launch and counter-unmanned aerial system settings. By leveraging proven weapon and launcher architectures, GRIZZLY shortens acquisition cycles while minimizing logistics footprints. GRIZZLY’s rapid flight test schedules continue to demonstrate speed, agility and affordability as a solution for our warfighters.

GRIZZLY
GRIZZLY Containerized Launcher shooting a JAGM, guided by the Sanctum battle manager, at Yuma Proving Grounds.

 

The GRIZZLY containerized launcher delivers cost-efficient, rapid-mobility and low-observable distributed expeditionary weapon delivery capability. This provides a purpose-built asymmetric capability that seamlessly augments traditional artillery, point-defence and missile-launch systems, enhancing both flexibility and lethality.

Another great example is the recent Saildrone‑Lockheed Martin demonstration, which showcased how commercial unmanned surface vessels (USVs) can be equipped with launch system capabilities for maritime protection. Using a Surveyor‑class Saildrone fitted with a Joint‑Air‑to‑Ground (JAGM) Dual Launcher and the Adjunct Remote Engagement System (ARES) fire‑control C2, the platform executed two live‑fire rounds. Conducted near Hawaii during RIMPAC 2026, the test proved that the JAGM Dual Launcher can operate from an unmanned maritime platform and, with JAGM’s dual‑mode seeker, provide all‑weather C-UAS precision in a maritime environment. 

JAGM and saildrone
JAGM being shot from the JAGM Dual Launcher (JDL) off Saildrone’s Surveyor‑class USV.

 

Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Saildrone accelerates fielding of proven combat‑ready technology onto commercial USVs, delivering ready‑now lethality for naval forces and offering rapid, scalable protection for high‑value assets in the Indo‑Pacific theater.

Strategic Indo‑Pacific Partnerships and Interoperability

Building future-ready defence capability requires an industrial base that can deliver at scale and partnerships are central to that effort. Lockheed Martin Australia is working with Australian companies including AW Bell and Moog Australia to manufacture critical GMLRS components domestically, while connecting local suppliers into global defence supply chains. The result is a growing network of Australian industry contributing directly to advanced weapons production and strengthening the resilience of the supply chain.

GMLRS
The first Australian-made guided multiple launch rocket system missiles are test fired at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. Photo: Andrew Green

 

That network is expanding as Australia develops its sovereign guided-weapons capability. With partners across manufacturing, technology and sustainment – including Thales and Marand – Lockheed Martin Australia is helping establish an industrial ecosystem designed to support Australia’s Defence needs while contributing to broader allied capability. For the Indo-Pacific, these partnerships provide greater depth in production and sustainment, creating a more resilient defence industry capable of supporting demand when and where it is needed.

In addition, the Australian Army’s long-range fires capability is set to expand with the selection of Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 for the Australian Army’s second Long-Range Fires Regiment under LAND 8113 Phase 2. Building on the Army’s existing fleet of HIMARS launchers, Australia is expanding the Army’s ability to deliver mobile, long-range precision fires across the Indo-Pacific. Combining rapid mobility with GMLRS and the longer-range Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), HIMARS gives Australian forces greater reach and flexibility in a contested operating environment, while supporting the shift toward integrated land, maritime and joint fires.

 

HIMARS
Australian HIMARS forward during Talisman Sabre 2025. Photo Credit: US Army

 

The capability is also being strengthened through Australia’s growing sovereign munitions industry. The production and successful test firing of Australian-manufactured GMLRS from HIMARS in April 2026 marked an important step toward for domestic production and a more resilient precision-strike supply chain. Together, mobility, precision, networking and sovereign sustainment are positioning HIMARS as an important component of Australia’s future multi-domain strike capability.

Currently in development, HIMARS FLEX represents the next evolutionary step of the HIMARS launcher. Building on legacy performance, HIMARS FLEX offers double the loadout, an expanded munitions open architecture, and autonomous control. At its core is the new FLEXFires technology ecosystem, which adds a modular loadout capability and autonomous functions to the existing XM1140 chassis while maintaining C‑130 transportability. The system can be fielded as a single‑pod baseline or a dual‑pod configuration, doubling offensive firepower and allowing rapid reconfiguration for air and missile defence munitions such as PAC‑3, IFPC, and future payloads. 

By fusing cutting-edge C-UAS technology, next generation launch systems and strong Indo-Pacific partnerships, Lockheed Martin delivers rapid, interoperable defence solutions that protect maritime assets and sustain airspace superiority. This integrated solution equips allies with the decisive, scalable firepower needed to deter emerging threats and ensure lasting stability across the region.