Marine CorpsMedium Range Intercept Capability Gears Up for Major Test Event After Successful Integration

The Marine Corps’ Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC) program is reaching a critical phase in its development, setting the stage for a significant test event. Last month, the MRIC program office achieved a crucial milestone by completing digital integration testing, a two-week endeavor that marked a significant step towards the system's operational readiness. This testing, supported by Marines from the 1st Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, was designed to ensure that all components of the MRIC work together seamlessly to complete the kill chain.

The MRIC represents a cutting-edge defense technology, capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralizing enemy cruise missiles and other aerial threats. This sophisticated system integrates the Corps’ Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) and the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) as its primary subsystems. Additionally, it incorporates technology from the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s renowned Iron Dome system, providing a significant mobility advantage within the weapons engagement zone.

“The purpose of this event was to ensure all system patches were installed and to connect the subsystems together, running the entire system through a simulated kill-chain with actual targets, radars, command and control, and the Iron Dome components,” explained Jason Gregory, one of the key figures in the MRIC program.

During the first week of testing, the focus was on preparatory activities such as setting up equipment, updating systems, and conducting a thorough review of technical publications. The second week shifted to execution scenarios, where the MRIC’s capability to detect and engage targets was put to the test. These scenarios included engagements with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the G/ATOR. While live missiles were not used, the system’s effectiveness in identifying and tracking targets was rigorously evaluated through simulated engagements.

This recent testing event is a precursor to the quick reaction assessment (QRA), a scaled-down operational test scheduled for September 2024. According to Mike Klapp, lead engineer for Cruise Missile Defense, the QRA will serve as the “graduation” event for the MRIC, marking its transition out of the middle-tier acquisition phase. If the QRA goes as planned, the MRIC is expected to move into production in fiscal year 2025.

“The successful completion of this event is a significant milestone in the development of the MRIC prototype. The participation and expertise of the 1st LAAD Battalion were crucial in achieving these positive results,” stated Lt. Col. Matthew Beck, product manager for the Advanced Man-Portable Air Defense System/MRIC.

The integration of advanced radar systems and the Iron Dome’s battle-proven technology positions the MRIC as a formidable component of the Marine Corps' air defense strategy. As preparations continue for the upcoming QRA, the successful digital integration testing underscores the MRIC’s potential to enhance the Corps' defensive capabilities against a range of aerial threats.

As the MRIC program progresses towards its major test event, the Marine Corps remains focused on refining this state-of-the-art system to ensure it meets the rigorous demands of modern warfare, ultimately providing a robust shield against enemy aerial threats.