US Marines test new weapon system during counter unmanned aerial system live-fire exercise

News, US February 2, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

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The U.S. Marines conducted a live-fire training exercise against unmanned aerial systems using the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), further enhancing ground-based air defense capabilities.

During the training exercise, the U.S. Marine with the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, fired MADIS Mk 1 upon a small unmanned aircraft system, at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, on Jan. 25, 2025. The event marked the official addition of MADIS to the Marines’ arsenal, following months of operational testing and evaluation.

The MADIS is operated by the Marines of 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery, providing low-altitude air defense Marines with the capability to detect, track, identify, and engage a range of unmanned aerial systems. Equipped with missiles, air-to-air launchers, chain guns, machine guns, and simulated munitions, MADIS serves as a comprehensive weapon system for countering aerial threats.

Commanding Officer of the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek stated, “The fielding of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System to the Marines of 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion is the culmination of years of tireless work from government and industry teammates across the country.”

Lt. Col. Sladek highlighted that “The delivery of the critical capabilities the system provides to 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion and by extension 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, makes the stand-in-force more survivable and lethal in the conduct of contested littoral operations against emerging aerial threats.”

”As a career Low Altitude Air Defender Marine, it is truly amazing to have watched the Marine Air Defense Integrated System transition from an idea to a capability and with it, the modernization of Marine Corps short-range air defense capabilities,” Lt. Col. Sladek added.

According to the U.S. Marines statement, ”The addition of the MADIS – a highly mobile, short-range, surface-to-air defense weapon – provides 3d MLR an enhanced air and missile defense capability.”

^{U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division run to a firing point with a FIM-92 Stinger during a training exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, on January 25, 2025. (Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/Sgt. Jacqueline C. Parsons)}

The MADIS live-fire exercise marked the first time the weapon system had been employed on a Hawaiian island since its fielding in December 2024. During the event, participants had the chance to interact with commanders and subject matter experts, learning about the fielding process and the system’s tactical advantages.

As a key component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative, the mobile MADIS enhances the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment’s tactical flexibility by expanding its ability to sense and defend airspace without reliance on Joint Force support.

The training also underscored the Marine Corps’ commitment to a threat-informed, concept-based approach to Force Design and modernization while enhancing the 3rd MLR’s ability to support allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The Commanding Officer of the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, Col. John G. Lehane highlighted the significance of the MADIS capability and said, “Fielding of MADIS to the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment enhances our collective lethality, and provides remarkable tactical flexibility given them system’s reach, range and mobility.“

Col. Lehane added, ”We are really excited to have this capability added to our already robust ability to coordinate air and missile defense actions, as it adds an organic layer to defeat a would-be adversary’s ability to attack our formations.”

The 3d Marine Littoral Regiment is a specialized U.S. Marine Corps unit focused on amphibious and littoral warfare operations. Based in Oahu, Hawaii, and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific, the regiment plays a vital role in enhancing regional security and stability through strategic partnerships and cooperation with allied and partner nations.