The latest
During an April exercise in the Philippines, U.S. Marines tested the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, a mobile platform designed to detect and shoot down drones in combat-like conditions.
The drill took place on a ridge overlooking the South China Sea. U.S. tactical vehicles opened fire on a fixed-wing drone heading toward them, eventually sending it into the water after several attempts.
Details
• MADIS is built around two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, the modern replacement for the Humvee.
• One vehicle carries advanced radar to help track small aerial targets such as drones.
• The second vehicle carries Stinger missiles, along with guns, machine guns and electronic-warfare tools such as jamming.
• The goal is to give commanders several choices: guns, electronic warfare or missiles when needed.
• During the exercise, Marines used training rounds against different targets, including one-way attack drones and surveillance drones.
• The report said guns and specialized ammunition could reduce the cost of shooting down drones compared with high-priced interceptors.
• The system is especially relevant for the Marines as they prepare for possible combat in island environments across the Indo-Pacific, including scenarios tied to Taiwan or the South China Sea.
What to watch
U.S. forces are continuing to test mobile air-defense systems that can protect small units from drones, with a focus on cheaper and more flexible battlefield options.
The message is clear: advanced missiles will not be enough in future wars. Militaries will also need fast, low-cost ways to defeat drones that are far cheaper than the weapons used to shoot them down.
