U.S. Deploys Precision EAGLS System in Middle East to Shield Troops From Rising Drone Threats

WASHINGTON / TAMPA : The United States military has confirmed the operational deployment of a new mobile counter-drone weapon in the Middle East, marking a significant step in Washington’s efforts to protect forward-deployed forces from the region’s expanding unmanned aerial threat.

In a statement released on January 19, U.S. Central Command said American forces are now actively operating the Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System (EAGLS), following the completion of testing and evaluation phases. The system has transitioned from experimental trials into live operational service, reflecting the urgency of countering persistent drone attacks on U.S. installations.

Rising Drone Threat Drives Rapid Fielding

CENTCOM officials said EAGLS is designed to counter small, slow-moving unmanned aircraft with precision while keeping engagement costs low. The system’s deployment comes as U.S. bases, logistics hubs and convoys across the Middle East face an increasing number of attacks by armed and reconnaissance drones, often launched by non-state groups using inexpensive platforms.

Military planners have repeatedly warned that traditional air-defense interceptors are ill-suited to counter large volumes of low-cost drones, creating a need for systems that are both effective and economical. EAGLS is intended to fill that gap within the broader layered air-defense architecture protecting U.S. forces.

System Design and Capabilities

EAGLS is a ground-based launcher built around 70-millimeter laser-guided rockets, most notably the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS II). The munition, widely used on helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, has been adapted for ground launch to defeat aerial targets such as one-way attack drones and small UAVs.

The launcher uses a compact quad-rail configuration and can be vehicle-mounted or positioned at fixed sites, allowing rapid deployment at forward bases or along supply routes. CENTCOM described the system as adaptable and precise, capable of integrating with existing sensors and command-and-control networks already in use across the region.

Validation During Regional Exercises

The operational rollout follows successful trials during the Sky Shield integrated air and missile defense exercise held in early December in Kuwait. The multinational exercise focused on improving coordination against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial threats.

According to U.S. officials, EAGLS demonstrated its ability to engage drone targets during live-fire scenarios and operate alongside other air-defense and counter-UAS systems, helping validate its readiness for real-world missions.

Accelerated Development and Procurement

EAGLS was developed by MSI Defense Solutions and fast-tracked into service under urgent operational requirements. U.S. Navy procurement data shows that an initial contract worth approximately $24 million was awarded in April 2024, covering five systems along with training, spare parts and logistical support.

Defense officials say the program reflects a broader shift toward rapidly fielded, modular air-defense solutions as drone warfare reshapes modern conflict and places new demands on force protection.

Role in Layered Base Defense

CENTCOM has not disclosed the exact locations or number of EAGLS systems currently deployed, citing operational security. However, the command emphasized that the system is already contributing to layered defense efforts by complementing electronic warfare tools, radar sensors and higher-end missile interceptors.

As drone technology continues to proliferate across the Middle East, U.S. military officials view EAGLS as a critical addition to the force-protection toolkit—one designed to counter emerging threats with speed, precision and affordability in an increasingly contested battlespace.