U.S. Marines with the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (3d MLR), 3rd Marine Division, conducted a counter-unmanned aerial system live-fire training event on January 25, 2025.
According to a press release from the 3d Marine Division, the exercise, held on a Hawaiian island, marked the first use of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) in live-fire training since its fielding in December 2024.
The event commemorated the culmination of months of operational testing and evaluation required to field this advanced weapon system. Designed to counter emerging aerial threats, MADIS enhances the capabilities of 3d MLR and integrates into the Marine Corps’ Force Design modernization efforts.
Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion (3d LAAB), emphasized the importance of MADIS, stating, “The fielding of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System to the Marines of 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion is the culmination of years of tireless work from government and industry teammates across the country. The delivery of the critical capabilities the system provides to 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion and by extension 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, makes the stand-in force more survivable and lethal in the conduct of contested littoral operations against emerging aerial threats.”
Sladek highlighted the development journey of the MADIS system, adding, “As a career Low Altitude Air Defender Marine, it is truly amazing to have watched the Marine Air Defense Integrated System transition from an idea to a capability and with it, the modernization of Marine Corps short-range air defense capabilities. Now the real work begins.”
The MADIS is operated by the Ground-Based Air Defense Battery within 3d LAAB. The system provides low-altitude air defense Marines the capability to detect, track, identify, and engage various unmanned aerial systems using an array of missiles, air-to-air launchers, chain guns, machine guns, and simulated munitions.
Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer of 3d MLR, underlined the operational benefits of MADIS, stating, “Fielding of MADIS to the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment enhances our collective lethality, and provides remarkable tactical flexibility given the system’s reach, range, and mobility. We are really excited to have this capability added to our already robust ability to coordinate air and missile defense actions, as it adds an organic layer to defeat a would-be adversary’s ability to attack our formations.”
The live-fire event allowed commanders and subject matter experts to interact with attendees, addressing questions about the system’s capabilities and fielding process. The training also showcased the Marine Corps’ emphasis on a threat-informed, concept-based approach to modernization and its commitment to supporting allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The MADIS system, characterized as a highly mobile, short-range surface-to-air defense weapon, is a cornerstone of the Marine Corps’ modernization strategy. By extending the range of airspace that 3d MLR can sense and defend without reliance on the Joint Force, MADIS significantly boosts tactical flexibility.
Stationed on Oahu, Hawaii, the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment specializes in amphibious and littoral warfare operations. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with allied nations, the regiment remains committed to promoting regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The integration of MADIS represents a milestone in the Marine Corps’ ongoing transformation and highlights the unit’s readiness to counter modern threats in contested environments.