WASHINGTON — U.S. defence contractor Lockheed Martin has unveiled new artificial intelligence-powered counter-drone technology designed to detect, track and defeat enemy drone swarms, as militaries race to respond to one of the fastest-growing threats on modern battlefields.
The system, known as Sanctum, is part of Lockheed Martin’s wider counter-unmanned aerial systems programme. Company officials say it uses artificial intelligence to identify incoming drones, assess whether they pose a threat and predict where they are heading before commanders select the most appropriate response.
Lockheed Martin says its counter-drone approach is built as a layered defence system, combining sensors, command-and-control software, AI-enabled tracking tools and different types of interceptors or “effectors.” The company says the system is designed to respond not only to individual drones but also to coordinated swarms, which can overwhelm traditional air defences through speed, numbers and unpredictable flight patterns.
Chief Executive Jim Taiclet said the company is inserting new technologies across its defence platforms as the nature of warfare changes. Speaking to Fox Business, he said Sanctum can use AI to detect drones, determine intent and help guide efforts to intercept or disable them before they reach their targets.
The unveiling comes amid rising concern over the use of low-cost drones in conflicts around the world. Small unmanned aircraft have been used for surveillance, precision attacks and explosive strikes, while larger drone swarms can force defenders to spend expensive missiles against relatively cheap targets. Military planners are increasingly seeking cheaper, faster and more automated systems to protect troops, bases, ships and critical infrastructure.
Lockheed Martin said its system is modular and open-architecture, meaning it can be adapted to different missions and integrated with existing military equipment. The company has also invested $25 million in Fortem Technologies, a counter-drone specialist that develops AI-powered systems capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising drones.
The push reflects a wider shift in defence strategy. Recent conflicts, especially the war in Ukraine and attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, have shown how drones can reshape the battlefield and challenge conventional air defence systems. Analysts say future conflicts are likely to feature more autonomous aircraft, electronic warfare and coordinated drone attacks.
Lockheed Martin argues that AI will be essential to countering that threat because human operators may not be able to react quickly enough when multiple drones attack simultaneously. However, the growing use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems has also raised questions about oversight, accountability and the risks of automated decision-making in combat.
For now, the company says Sanctum is intended to give military commanders faster warning, better tracking and more options to stop drone swarms before they cause damage.
