In September 2023, the Marine Corps began testing a groundbreaking defense tool known as the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.
This cutting-edge air defense capability is crucial for countering the increasing threat of enemy drones and other airborne risks.
The 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, part of the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment based in Hawaii, is currently integrating this system into its operational framework as it gears up to tackle growing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Advancements in Drone Defense
A representative from Marine Corps Systems Command emphasized that the rising use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for reconnaissance and offensive operations has highlighted the urgent need for advanced air defense solutions like MADIS.
This sophisticated system not only enables the detection, tracking, and neutralization of airborne threats, but it also serves as a deterrent, demonstrating the Marines’ capability to effectively counter aerial incursions.
The military as a whole faces an escalating drone threat across various operational environments.
In response, the Marine Corps started to develop a robust multi-layered air defense strategy back in 2018, leading to the integration of MADIS, according to Colonel Andrew Konicki, who oversees the Ground-Based Air Defense program.
System Features and Deployment
Manufactured by Kongsberg Protech Systems USA, the MADIS is seen as a cornerstone for the Ground-Based Air Defense capabilities of Littoral Anti-Air Defense (LAAD) battalions.
This innovative system allows Marines to focus on their core missions without the persistent worry of aerial attacks overhead.
Transitioning to MADIS represents a substantial upgrade over older air defense systems like the Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPAD).
Unlike its predecessor, which necessitated that operators leave their vehicles to engage threats, MADIS enables Marines to operate from within their vehicles, maintaining safety while confronting enemy drones.
Mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), the MADIS boasts advanced features for tracking, detecting, and neutralizing both friendly and hostile aircraft.
Operators can choose from various engagement methods, opting for kinetic responses such as missiles and gunfire, or non-kinetic tactics like signal jamming and laser deployment to disable targets effectively.
Future Developments
The system involves two JLTVs outfitted with a mix of radar and command-and-control systems, optimizing air defense operations in the field.
One vehicle specializes in detection while the other is designed for executing engagements.
The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, the first of its kind within the Corps, now operates MADIS.
Plans are underway to establish two additional littoral regiments in the Pacific, with the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment planned for Okinawa, Japan, and the 4th for Guam.
These new littoral regiments will be streamlined, consisting of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 Marines, and will be equipped with missiles instead of traditional artillery, adapting to coastal combat scenarios.
In contrast, conventional infantry regiments can host up to 2,200 Marines.
A lighter variant of the MADIS, known as L-MADIS, marked its operational debut in July 2019.
During a mission aboard the amphibious assault ship Boxer, Marines successfully engaged an Iranian drone using this system mounted on a Polaris MRZR vehicle.
This lighter version is designed for deployment within Marine Expeditionary Units, smaller units capable of diverse missions, while MADIS is intended for larger tactical formations.
For Fiscal Year 2024, the Marine Corps has earmarked $130 million to acquire 13 MADIS Increment 1 systems.
In 2022, the Marines engaged with industry experts to discuss enhancements for future iterations of MADIS that could address larger drone threats.
The deployment of MADIS to the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion marks a key milestone in air defense, with Colonel Konicki highlighting that its capabilities will evolve significantly over time.
By 2035, the Marine Corps has plans to field a total of 190 MADIS units across various Low Altitude Air Defense battalions and Marine Littoral Regiments.
Current endeavors aim to enhance the system’s software and functionalities, and proposals for a more compact, dismounted version have already been solicited earlier this year.
The LAAD battalion is poised to implement the MADIS system by the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2025, further solidifying the Marines’ defensive capabilities against emerging aerial threats.
Source: Militarytimes