U.S. Marines Corps conducts live-fire training with MADIS air defence system

By Defence Industry Europe

On January 25, the U.S. Marine Corps conducted a live-fire training exercise in Hawaii, showcasing the capabilities of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). This exercise, led by the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), marked a significant milestone in integrating the MADIS system into the Marine Corps’ arsenal following extensive testing and evaluation.

 

MADIS is a mobile, short-range air defence system designed to detect, track, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other low-altitude threats. Operated by the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery, the system incorporates advanced weaponry such as missiles, air-to-air launchers, machine guns, and chain guns. These features enable MADIS to provide robust protection for forces operating in contested littoral environments.

During the exercise, the MADIS system was deployed in a live-fire scenario, allowing Marines to test its capabilities under realistic conditions. This event marked the first time the system had been used in a live-fire exercise on a Hawaiian island since its introduction in December 2024. Marines demonstrated the system’s ability to effectively counter aerial threats, enhancing their preparedness for modern operational challenges.

 

 

Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, Commanding Officer of the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, commended the efforts that led to MADIS’s deployment. “The fielding of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System is the result of years of tireless work from government and industry partners. Its addition to the 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion significantly enhances our survivability and lethality in contested littoral operations,” he said.

The training event also served as an opportunity for attendees, including commanders and subject matter experts, to discuss the system’s operational value and fielding process. It reinforced the Marine Corps’ commitment to a threat-informed, concept-based approach to Force Design and modernization.

 

 

Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer of the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, emphasized the strategic importance of MADIS. “The system enhances our collective lethality and provides remarkable tactical flexibility. With its range, reach, and mobility, MADIS adds a crucial layer of air and missile defence, ensuring our formations can effectively counter adversary threats,” he stated.

MADIS plays a vital role in the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative, which seeks to modernize and adapt forces for contemporary and future conflicts. By extending the range of airspace the 3d MLR can sense and defend without external support, MADIS strengthens the unit’s ability to operate independently in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

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