The mobile-low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft integrated defeat (M-LIDS) system is the US Army's main mobile counter-drone program, capable of detecting and defeating most unmanned aerial systems (UASs).

M-LIDS is not the only option in the LIDS family of systems.

The anti-drone system also can be deployed from fixed, relocatable platforms (FS-LIDS), enabling it to provide stationary support for an installation, asset or site.

The mobile variant, M-LIDS, currently operates using two mine-resistant ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles, which deploy as a pair.

A future upgrade seeks to move the system from two vehicles into a single Stryker armored fighting vehicle.

The systems included in LIDS enable it to detect, identify and intercept incoming unmanned systems.

M-LIDS includes a forward area air defense command and control, electro-optical infrared camera, mesh-net internet protocol radios, direction-finding sensors and the AN/TPQ-50 multi-mission radar.

Multiple anti-drone options

Those systems are accompanied by several effectors used to take down incoming drones.

M-LIDS can deploy Coyote Block 2+ interceptors -- jet-engine powered expendable drones with an effective range of up to 15km -- as one of their interception options.

The 10kg Coyotes, which have a 147cm wingspan, can fly netted together in swarms or deployed as individual aircraft.

It can carry a proximity warhead -- a fuse that detonates automatically when within a certain distance of its target -- able to destroy an enemy drone.

M-LIDS can also employ Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Electronic Warfare Systems (CUAEWS) against enemy UASs at a range of up to 8km.

A 30mm XM914 chain gun provides final protective defense for mobile units.

In April 2024, US Army soldiers conducted a live-fire test of the M-LIDS system in Capu Midia, Romania.

The soldiers identified, tracked and destroyed the threats with a combination of electronic warfare and large-caliber machine guns, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Romania.