The Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) represents a major leap forward in tactical air defense, giving the US Marine Corps (USMC) a mobile and rapid-response capability against modern aerial threats.

Developed to address the growing proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), LMADIS combines advanced radar, electronic warfare, and command-and-control technologies in a compact, vehicle-mounted platform.

LMADIS enables Marines to disrupt the electronic signals connecting drones to their controllers, neutralizing them before they can inflict damage.

This soft-kill approach is particularly valuable in populated or sensitive environments, where kinetic strikes could cause collateral damage.

The system’s agility allows Marines to protect forward-deployed units against drones, cruise missiles, and other low-flying threats with minimal logistical burden.

The USMC’s 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion has already integrated LMADIS into its operations, making it a cornerstone of its counter-drone strategy.

The system can be transported via CH-53E Super Stallion, CH-53K King Stallion, or MV-22B Osprey aircraft, ensuring Marines can bring air defense directly to the frontlines.

Design and advanced capabilities

LMADIS is built around two Polaris MRZR combat vehicles: one serving as a command unit and the other carrying sensors and jamming equipment.

Each vehicle supports a payload of over 450 kg and can tow an additional 680 kg, making the system highly suitable for expeditionary operations in austere environments.

At its core is the RADA RPS-42 S-band AESA radar, designed to detect low-flying threats.

Paired with the Modi II electronic warfare system, LMADIS can jam communications, trick navigation systems, and neutralize drones without firing a single shot.

It also incorporates the Coyote interceptor UAS, which can travel at speeds of 55 knots and operate for up to an hour, providing a kinetic option when required.

This modular system allows Marines to detect, track, and defeat hostile UAS with speed and precision.

Because LMADIS is vehicle-mounted, it can travel with units across varied terrain, ensuring continuous protection for expeditionary forces.

LMADIS is also the foundation for the broader Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems (MADIS) program, which aims to expand air defense coverage to counter not only drones but also manned aircraft and other aerial threats.

Future enhancements are expected to further strengthen this layered, distributed defense capability.

By combining mobility, electronic warfare, and scalable defense technologies, LMADIS gives the Marine Corps a decisive edge in protecting forward-deployed forces against rapidly evolving aerial threats.

As small drones become a defining feature of modern warfare, this system ensures that there is no safe airspace for adversaries.