The U.S. Marine Corps has awarded Anduril Industries a $200 million, five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to develop and deploy a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Engagement System (CES) as part of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). This cutting-edge system will bolster the Marines’ ability to counter evolving air threats, enhancing the defensive and offensive capabilities of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
The MADIS CES contract represents a significant step in a block upgrade program aimed at modernizing the Marine Corps’ expeditionary counter-drone systems. By leveraging the latest advancements in technology, the program ensures that Marines are equipped to handle increasingly sophisticated aerial threats on the battlefield.
A High-Tech Approach to CUAS
At the heart of Anduril’s CES is Anvil, an autonomous, low-collateral kinetic interceptor designed to neutralize small drones categorized as Group 1 and Group 2 threats. Anvil’s advanced onboard computing and sensor suite enable precise target tracking and terminal guidance, ensuring high success rates even in dynamic combat environments.
The system is powered by Lattice, Anduril’s advanced open command-and-control operating system. Lattice integrates cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, computer vision, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, streamlining decision-making in high-tempo situations.
This modular, open-architecture design allows the CES to adapt quickly to emerging threats by integrating new capabilities through continuous Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs). Anduril’s “software-first” philosophy ensures that the MADIS CES remains at the forefront of counter-drone technology.
Enhancing Lethality and Protection
The MADIS CES is designed to address a broad spectrum of air threats, from drones to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Its ability to incorporate rapid upgrades makes it a future-proof solution, ensuring Marines can maintain an edge over adversaries in increasingly complex operational environments.
Chris Brose, Chief Strategy Officer at Anduril, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
“By leveraging advanced AI and autonomy, Anduril’s CES will provide the Marines with a robust and scalable solution to counter evolving drone threats, ensuring greater protection and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.”
Pat Morris, Anduril’s VP of Air Defense, added:
“We are proud to support the Marine Corps in this vital mission and look forward to continued collaboration in delivering critical capabilities to the warfighter.”
Proven Performance and Future Vision
Anduril has already demonstrated its expertise in CUAS solutions through the deployment of fixed-site Sentry Towers at Marine Corps installations across the United States. These systems, which autonomously detect, track, and neutralize Group 1 and Group 2 drone threats, have provided valuable insights that informed the development of the MADIS CES.
As the Marines face increasingly complex threats, the MADIS CES will play a pivotal role in their air defense strategy. This contract ensures that the Marine Corps will continue to benefit from cutting-edge technology, maintaining situational awareness and robust defense capabilities in the most challenging operational environments.
