The US Marine Corps is developing the MADIS anti-UAV anti-aircraft system.
MADIS SAM system. In the foreground is a Mk 2 command vehicle, behind it is a Mk 1 combat vehicle.
In the recent past, the US Marine Corps began purchasing and receiving self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems.artillery MADIS systems. The new equipment is arriving in units, improving their anti-aircraft capabilities. Recently, it was announced that the procurement, development, and deployment of the new SAM systems will be accelerated—this is due to new threats and challenges the troops may face.
Complexes in service
The promising MADIS (Marine Air Defense Integrated System) air defense system Defense The "KMP" (for the Marine Corps) underwent major testing and refinement in the first half of the 1920s. In 2024, following these tests, it was recommended for serial production and delivery to the military.
At the end of 2024, the first systems of the new type were delivered to the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3 MLR) of the 3rd Marine Division. Deliveries to other units, both line and training, soon followed. Furthermore, at the turn of 2024-25, MADIS systems were used for the first time in exercises.
According to available information, the Marine Corps planned to purchase several dozen MADIS systems and equip all existing regiments and battalions with them. This equipment is intended to fill the niche previously occupied by the Avenger self-propelled air defense system. This niche, which had been empty for a long time, is now being filled.
It was recently announced that the Pentagon has decided to revise the production and delivery schedule for the MADIS air defense missile system. Given the current situation, and the presence of specific threats, this type of equipment is of particular interest to the Marine Corps. Therefore, production is being accelerated, and the rate of delivery to the troops is also increasing. Combat units have been tasked with more rapid development and deployment of the system.
According to publicly available information, the Marine Corps will receive approximately 20 MADIS systems by the end of 2025. Deliveries are ongoing, and their number is expected to increase. However, for obvious reasons, officials have not yet specified the production and acceptance rates of the new equipment.
Regardless of the exact number of SAM systems purchased, the Marine Corps expects positive results. MADIS systems should improve the units' capabilities to combat a variety of aerial threats. These systems should effectively combat a full-scale aviation, with UAVs and high-precision weapons.
Goals and objectives
Work on a promising self-propelled anti-aircraft system for the Marine Corps began in the mid-2010s. For several years, the Corps' relevant departments and other organizations determined the needs of the troops and the optimal design for such a system. They then developed the technical specifications and began the design process.
The final design of MADIS was not formed until the early twenties. In its proposed form, the complex includes missile, artillery, and electronic warfare systems. These systems are capable of detecting, intercepting, and engaging or suppressing a variety of aerial targets that pose a threat to ground forces. In line with current trends, special attention has been given to counter-UAV capabilities.
The future MADIS also required simplicity of production and operation. Therefore, the system primarily utilizes off-the-shelf components and devices. Only individual elements and units had to be developed from scratch.
As a result of the MADIS program, Marine units received a mobile system capable of operating in position or on the move, detecting and engaging various aerial targets. These SAM systems are designed to operate as part of general combat formations and provide air defense for troops in a variety of conditions.
Tools and systems
The MADIS air defense system consists of two self-propelled vehicles with different instrumentation and capabilities. The first, known simply as the MADIS Mk 1, carries missile and artillery armament. Production vehicles of this type are built on the JLTV chassis. The MADIS Mk 2 is equipped with air situational awareness equipment and is built on a lighter chassis, such as the ULTV.
The minimum combat-ready complement of such an SAM system is one combat vehicle and one command vehicle. The MADIS Mk 2 can simultaneously operate with two to three weapons carriers and provide them with targeting information.
The primary means of detecting any aerial targets is the RPS-42 radar from RADA Electronic Industries. It features multiple active phased arrays and is capable of detecting large objects at ranges of up to 30 km. The Mk 2 command vehicle also has an electro-optical station. A standard-caliber machine gun is also provided for self-defense.
The MADIS Mk 1 combat vehicle carries a remotely controlled module with control equipment and a mixed armament. The module is equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon and two quadruple launchers for Stinger missiles. The weapon system is supplemented by an electromagnetic jamming station.
During combat duty, the Mk 2 crew, using standard equipment, monitors the surrounding airspace. Radar and electronic countermeasures are used to search for and track detected objects. Target data is also automatically transmitted to combat vehicles. Depending on the nature of the target and other factors, the Mk 1 crew fires the cannon, launches a missile, or employs jamming.
The MADIS air defense system is expected to engage a wide range of aerial targets, from small UAVs to full-size aircraft. However, the selected weapons and other equipment options inherently limit its performance. For example, effective jamming of radio communications is possible at ranges of no more than hundreds of meters. The range of the cannon or missile launchers, however, does not exceed several kilometers.
Intermediate result
To date, the MADIS program has achieved some of the desired results. The development of the new air defense missile and system has been completed, its serial production has been established, and several dozen of these systems have been delivered to Marine Air Defense units. Production continues, and the Pentagon even plans to expand it.
The Marine Corps views all of these processes entirely positively, and understandably so. The Corps has received modern defense systems capable of protecting troops from all current threats. Moreover, the development and production of the new equipment were inexpensive. The desired result was achieved through the use of off-the-shelf products and components. Furthermore, this approach now facilitates production expansion.
It is obvious that the new plans to increase the production of equipment are connected with the desire to quickly re-equip units. news These types of projects emerged against the backdrop of events in the Middle East. The current situation casts MADIS plans in a new light—and demonstrates that the Corps truly needs a large number of SAMs, and quickly.
It's worth recalling that during the current Operation Epic Fury, the American air and missile defense system performed far from its best. While it managed to intercept some Iranian UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, the attack weapons that penetrated inflict significant damage. This damage not only targets and equipment, but also the country's reputation.
The Pentagon is currently considering launching a ground operation against Iran. The Marine Corps will play a significant role in this operation. In the current situation, it will need a modern air defense system capable of countering a wide range of threats. MADIS systems could be considered as at least a partial solution to this problem.
If the Marine Corps does indeed join "Epic Fury," the new SAM systems will be used against real targets outside of training ranges for the first time. This will demonstrate their true combat potential and allow for new conclusions. Furthermore, such combat use will help the Pentagon refine its future plans. Whether these plans will be adjusted or the MADIS procurement schedule will be radically altered remains to be seen.
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