US Marine Corps New Air Defense System Hits Full Rate Production
Kongsberg Protech Systems USA has begun full-rate production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Remote Weapon Station (RWS).
The company has been producing the system under a $94 million US Marine Corps contract since 2021.
The five-year contract includes low-rate initial production systems and full-rate production units.
Additional Technology Under Consideration
“The Marine Corps is leaning forward with orders for long-lead items to prioritize the timely production of these systems in support of Force Design 2030,” MADIS project manager at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA William Dixon said.
“As we enter full-rate production for these remote weapon stations, we’re also discussing additional technology we can incorporate into the system to improve and expand their capabilities for the Marines.”
Marine Air Defense Integrated System
The MADIS is part of the US Marine Corps’ push to upgrade its ground-based air defense systems, including dismounted Stinger missiles and vehicle-based radars.
The system comprises two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle-mounted complementary systems: MADIS Mk1 and Mk2.
The Mk1 features a 30mm cannon, a machine gun, and a Stinger air-to-air launcher. Its primary task is to defeat rotary and fixed-wing targets such as helicopters and fighter jets.
The Mk2 will take on counter-drone roles, while also providing radar and command-and-control.
