Marine Corps to spend $200m to acquire L-MADIS system that destroys drones with Stinger missiles and through electronic warfare

The US Marine Corps' air defence battalions will receive a powerful weapon to combat unmanned aerial vehicles. The system is called the Light Marine air defence integrated system (L-MADIS).

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The 2024 budget includes $200 million in procurement and upgrade funding. Deliveries of L-MADIS will begin next fall. $24.6 million will be invested in upgrades to the complexes, while $8 million will be aimed at increasing the lethality of the weapon.

L-MADIS will be able to engage Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 drones. Drones are classified according to different parameters, including launch range, weight and maximum speed. Group 3, for example, includes systems weighing up to 600kg and capable of flying at speeds of almost 200km/h.

The system is mounted on a JLTV Block 1 chassis. The L-MADIS Mk1 engages air threats with Stinger missiles. The Mk2 variant does without missiles. This version uses electronic warfare to counter drones.