The new center will help to bridge research and development of air defense systems with acquisition and sustainment.
The U.S. Marine Corps is looking to upgrade its counter-drone capabilities. The service has systems that can be improved, such as the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) and the Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) that targets cruise missiles and drones. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are becoming more and more common in battlefield scenarios in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Corps is training Marines with the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion in counter-drone tactics.
“Small UAS and counter-UAS are probably the biggest change that we’ve seen recently,” Brigadier General Stephen Lightfoot, director of the service’s Capabilities Development Directorate.
The service is establishing a new “fusion center” at Quantico, Virginia, that will replace the Rapid Capabilities Office to advance technologies such as counter-drone capabilities. The center will facilitate the transition from research and development to production and fielding.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith to be led by the Lord as he heads the service.
- For USMC personnel as they work in research, development, and production of the air defense systems.
Sources: Military.com, Inside Defense
