WASHINGTON — The U.S. Marine Corps has released photographs showing Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) operating a Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The photographs were taken between September 2 and September 6, 2026, at an undisclosed location in the region. The images, credited to Lance Cpl. Nicole Stuart, show Marines driving the system and setting up its equipment. They were released publicly through Defense Visual Information Distribution System channels in mid-September.
Mobile Counter-Drone System
LMADIS is a mobile counter-unmanned aircraft system designed to detect, track, identify and defeat small unmanned aircraft.
The system is built around two Polaris MRZR all-terrain vehicles. One vehicle serves as the command-and-control platform, while the second carries the electronic-warfare equipment.
LMADIS uses radar and cameras/sensors to detect small unmanned aerial vehicles. Once a drone is identified, its electronic-warfare system can transmit radio-frequency signals to disrupt the communication link between the drone and its operator.
Designed for Marine Expeditionary Units
The lightweight configuration allows LMADIS to support the expeditionary operations of Marine units. Its compact design enables the system to be transported and operated from Marine Expeditionary Unit ships and flight decks, as well as ashore.
The heavier version of the broader Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) is mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and is intended for larger formations. LMADIS provides a lighter configuration for MEU operations.
Previous Operational Use
The LMADIS family gained operational attention in July 2019, when Marines from the 11th MEU, operating aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, used the system against an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz.
The drone approached to approximately 900 meters (1,000 yards) from the ship. Marines used electronic jamming to disrupt the drone's control link and bring it down.
The 11th MEU is again operating with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group during its current deployment, which began when the unit left the San Diego area in March 2026. The MEU consists of roughly 2,500 Marines.
Growing Counter-Drone Requirement
The latest deployment highlights the continued focus on counter-drone capabilities within Marine Expeditionary Unit operations. Marine units have noted that operating and training with counter-drone systems now accounts for a significant portion of their preparation.
The September photographs provide a recent view of the 11th MEU operating LMADIS in the CENTCOM area, giving the unit a mobile capability to detect and counter small drones while operating both ashore and from naval platforms.
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