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ABOARD USS MAKIN ISLAND – The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit recently fielded the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) and immediately began integrating the system into underway training aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) off the coast of California. U.S. Marines assigned to the 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Detachment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 364 (Reinforced), 13th MEU, began training with and employing the system to counter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) threats during simulated exercise scenarios.
The LMADIS is a small package that brings a huge capability. Battlefield technology continues to evolve and recent conflicts have shown the high usage of UAS to inflict maximum damage. The Marine Corps adapted and equipped the LMADIS to combat this evolving threat.
The mission of LMADIS operators is to detect, track, identify and defeat.
“Drones are the biggest thing right now and a lot of people don’t know the answer,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Bass, a LAAD gunner attached to VMM-364 (Rein.). “The LMADIS is that answer.”
The LMADIS is composed of two Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (ULTV) and requires four LAAD gunners to operate. One ULTV acts as the command and control function and directs the other to execute electronic warfare (EW) attacks on UAS. They use the Skyview MPV-3 sensor to detect UAS up to 3000 meters. Depending on the frequency, it can tell the operators what Group type UAS it is, and provide the correct disabling code.
Once a UAS is detected, the RPS-62 radar tracks its movement and distance using 4 hemispheric panels covering a total of 360 degrees, using radio frequency to bounce off the UAS and back to the LMADIS. The integrated Link-16 communications system allows the LMADIS to feed to the ship or command post real-time data.
Once a target is identified, Marines utilize the MFEW-D, a lightweight, portable electronic jammer to defeat the threat. The MFEW-D blocks hostile radio frequencies and communications, effectively cutting off the control links of an enemy drone. This disables the UAS and forces it from its flight path.
“The LMADIS is perfect for the MEU,” said Bass. “ULTVs are extremely capable in rough terrain and they’re quieter and easier to transport using our aircraft than other military vehicles.”
Ultimately, the LMADIS is a critical asset for the 13th MEU. Because the system is built on lightweight, highly mobile vehicles, Marines can rapidly transport it via aircraft and deploy it across challenging terrain. By combining exceptional mobility with powerful jamming technology, the LMADIS ensures the 13th MEU can defeat UAS threats and effectively defend amphibious forces.
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2026 21:09 |
| Story ID: | 570747 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 13th MEU Enhances c-UAS Capabilities with the LMADIS, by SSgt Michael Virtue, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
