U.S. Marine Corps to Deploy Advanced Counter-Drone Systems in 2025 to Combat Small UAS Threats

In 2025, the United States Marine Corps is set to begin fielding new counter-drone systems to strengthen its defence against the increasing threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). These systems are designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, thereby enhancing the Corps’ battlefield awareness and protective capabilities.

Why the Upgrade?

Small drones have emerged as a serious challenge in modern warfare. Adversaries are now using these compact, low-cost aircraft for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and even direct attacks. Their small size, low radar signature, and ability to maneuver in tight spaces make them difficult to detect and eliminate using traditional air defense systems.

A Marine Corps spokesperson stated, “The proliferation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems presents a significant tactical challenge for modern military forces.” These drones can disrupt missions, compromise operational secrecy, destroy valuable assets, and pose risks to human life.

What’s Being Deployed?

To counter this threat, the Marine Corps is introducing a mix of dismounted counter-sUAS technologies across all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). These systems are:

• Lightweight and portable – ideal for use by small units on the move.

• User-friendly – requiring minimal additional training.

• Integrated with existing weapon systems – allowing seamless use by Marines already equipped for combat.

This makes them ideal for rapid deployment in varied combat environments, particularly in contested and distributed operational settings.

Key Capabilities and Specifications

The upcoming counter-sUAS systems will include both kinetic options, such as small-arms-based drone shooters and anti-drone projectiles, and non-kinetic methods like:

• Electronic warfare systems that jam or disrupt drone signals.

• RF (radio frequency) detection and direction finding to locate drone operators.

• Electro-optical/infrared sensors for drone detection and tracking.

• Handheld and vehicle-mounted systems to support mobility and different mission profiles.

These tools are being tailored to provide 360-degree protection, ensuring Marines can defend themselves against sUAS threats regardless of the terrain or operational complexity.

Bridging the Defence Gap

Currently, Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems used by Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) and Littoral Anti-Air Battalions are effective against larger aerial threats but are not always available at the unit level. The new organic counter-drone systems will fill this crucial gap by empowering individual units with tools to handle drone threats independently.

This shift in strategy supports the Marine Corps’ doctrine of manoeuvre warfare, which relies on decentralised, agile, and dispersed operations. “This decentralisation of defensive measures aligns with the Marine Corps’ emphasis on manoeuvre warfare,” the spokesperson noted.

Future Readiness

As drone warfare evolves, the Marine Corps is taking proactive steps to stay ahead of emerging threats. By 2025, every deployed unit is expected to have access to tailored counter-UAS capabilities, making the force more resilient, flexible, and prepared for future challenges.

Incorporating this next generation of counter-drone technology ensures that Marines can operate safely and effectively in dynamic combat environments—whether in urban landscapes, coastal regions, or remote terrains. The upcoming systems will not only protect lives but also ensure mission continuity in increasingly drone-contested battlespaces.