Marine Corps selects two companies to produce MADIS counter-UAS component

The Marine Corps has awarded two contracts worth up to $200 million each to companies Invariant Corp. and Anduril to build and integrate a counter-drone component of a developing, mobile air defense system, according to an Oct. 16 Pentagon announcement.

Under the awards, the two companies are tasked with delivering a counter-unmanned aircraft system engagement system (CES) for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). A June 2023 pre-solicitation for the CES component describes it as “an advanced, highly autonomous effector” to take down UAS threats at “significant ranges from the launch location.”

Work under the contracts, which include a base period and four option periods of undisclosed length, is expected to conclude by October 2031. The contracts were awarded competitively, with the Marine Corps receiving bids from four companies, the notice adds.

MADIS is a short-range, surface-to-air capability intended to protect ground forces from low-altitude UAS and aircraft. Developed by the Marine Corps’ ground-based air defense program office, it consists of a "fighting pair" of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, with the first JLTV carrying radar and other systems to detect and track threats, and the second carrying a launcher and stinger missile interceptors.

The CES will be integrated into the JLTV’s remote weapon station or mounted on a JLTV trailer to enhance its counter-drone capabilities, according to the June pre-solicitation.

In April, program officials said the system is expected to achieve initial operational capability in early fiscal year 2025. Fielding is expected to follow in FY-25, with the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion -- part of the Hawaii-based 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment -- selected as the first Marine Corps battalion to receive MADIS.

The service’s FY-25 budget request aims to increase procurement spending on its total ground-based air defense portfolio from $250 million in FY-24 to $370 million in FY-25, including $171.5 million to purchase 13 MADIS systems.