The U.S. Marine Corps’ 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has executed a successful live-fire exercise of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), conducted at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Jan. 25. This event, marking the first live-fire of MADIS on a Hawaiian island since its introduction in December, underscores a critical step in the Corps’ Force Design modernisation efforts.
The MADIS, a mobile, short-range, surface-to-air defence system, is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, particularly the growing menace of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As a key component of the Marine Corps’ modernisation strategy, MADIS enhances the 3d MLR’s tactical flexibility, extending the airspace it can sense and defend without reliance on other branches of the United States armed forces.
According to Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, Commanding Officer, 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, the fielding of MADIS to his Marines is the result of years of collaborative work between government and industry. The system not only bolsters the survivability and lethality of the stand-in force, it also reflects a significant leap in the modernisation of Marine Corps short range air defence capabilities. Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer, 3d MLR, highlighted the system’s tactical flexibility, reach, and range adding that it enhances the unit’s existing air and missile defence coordination abilities.
The MADIS is operated by the Marines of 3d LAAB’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery. This system integrates a number of capabilities to detect, track, identify, and engage aerial threats. It uses a variety of weapons, including missiles, air-to-air launchers, chain guns, machine guns, and simulated munitions, enabling a layered approach to defence. At the heart of the system is the Kongsberg RS6 Remote Weapon Station (RWS), which includes the XM914E1 30mmx113mm percussion-primed cannon with a co-axial M240C (7.62mm) machine gun and an integration kit for the STINGER Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL). MADIS comes in two variants, designated Mk1 and Mk2, mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). The Mk1 is equipped with STINGER missiles to neutralise fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, while the Mk2 variant provides counter-UAS capabilities along with radar and command-and-control functions. The system is designed for short range ground-to-air targeting while on the move. A lighter version, the LMADIS, is mounted on the Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicle for more expeditionary operations.
The live-fire exercise on Jan. 25th showcased the system’s ability to engage small unmanned aircraft systems. This exercise also allowed key personnel to engage with commanders and subject matter experts on the fielding process, and operational value of MADIS.
The deployment of MADIS is a crucial response to the increasing threat of UAS, particularly commercial drones. Terrorist organisations have been using such systems for reconnaissance and attacks, frequently arming them with explosives. The system’s radar and electronic warfare capabilities enable the Marines to detect and identify these threats, while the jamming capabilities disrupt their communication links. Lance Corporal Niklaus McMann noted that drones are hard to spot with the naked eye, emphasising the importance of MADIS in identifying and defeating these threats. The system effectively provides a means to remain ahead of the enemy in this rapidly evolving area of warfare.
Production of the MADIS Remote Weapon Station has recently moved to Kongsberg Protech Systems USA in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, from Kongsberg, Norway. The first U.S.-produced system was completed in March. This move should improve the ability to support the U.S. Marine Corps. Kongsberg is the sole provider of RWS to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps with more than 20,000 units produced. The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Kongsberg a $94 million production contract in September 2021 which covers Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems, full-rate production units, spares and training.
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