Radars and Drone Killers: Marine Corps Office Accelerates Technology Advancements

Explore the Latest Technological Developments in the U.S. Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps is on a mission to enhance its capabilities by investing in new radars and maximizing its counter-drone systems. The Program Executive Office Land Systems is spearheading this endeavor by revamping its portfolios to streamline operations and incorporate cutting-edge technology for rapid deployment.

Radars

The expeditionary radars program within the Marine Corps is undergoing significant advancements, with a focus on developing a comprehensive radar system. The Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) has been instrumental in various missions and is set to play a crucial role in future warfare strategies, particularly in expeditionary advanced base operations.

Stephen Bowdren, the office's chief, highlighted the importance of incorporating a passive radar system alongside G/ATOR to enable stealthy battlefield monitoring without revealing the Marines' positions.

The Marine Corps is embarking on a project to integrate an Army passive radar prototype into the MuDRaCE (Multi-Domain Radar for a Contested Environment) family of systems. Additionally, a Medium-Range Air Defense Radar, known as MARAUDER, is being fast-tracked for deployment to bolster the Marine Corps' radar capabilities.

The goal is to have this new passive radar operational within two years, leveraging existing prototypes to expedite the process.

Countering Drones

The ground-based air defense portfolio is at the forefront of the Marine Corps' efforts to combat drones effectively. With initiatives such as the Medium-Range Intercept Capability and the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, the Corps is making significant strides in integrating kinetic and non-kinetic anti-drone technologies.

By strategically aligning sensors, computers, and effectors, the Marine Corps is accelerating the development of counter-drone capabilities.

Future expansions in this portfolio may include a broader counter-intrusion system, integrating existing technologies like the Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System for enhanced security measures.

Moreover, the Marine Corps is evaluating strategies to counter unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to address evolving threats.

Reconnaissance Vehicles

The Marine Corps is reevaluating its reconnaissance capabilities, particularly in the realm of advanced reconnaissance vehicles. The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) is poised to play a central role in future reconnaissance missions, complemented by a range of manned and unmanned vehicles across different domains.

Efforts are underway to develop ARV-30 prototypes featuring a 30mm cannon, building on the success of previous variants like the C4/UAS variant. Despite procurement challenges, the Marine Corps remains committed to advancing the ARV family of vehicles.

The Marine Corps is focused on leveraging industry partnerships to propel the development of innovative vehicle prototypes while remaining agile in response to evolving requirements.

These initiatives reflect the Marine Corps' dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and ensuring readiness in an ever-changing operational landscape.