The Defense Post’s Post

A good contribution from Cliff “SCAR” Lucas arguing the answer to the UAS air control problem lies in jointness and more fully integrating offensive Air Force actions with Army air defense to reimagine how air control is achieved. Success will likely require a nuanced approach to the scope of threats, recognizing that UAS come in a wide range of sizes, and missions. Army vs. Air Force roles should look very different in countering DJI quadcopters vs. Shahed-236s vs. a CASC Rainbow. https://lnkd.in/e_k3sVXy

The United States Marine Corps recently conducted a successful test of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) in Arizona. This low-rate initial production model of MADIS showcased its capabilities in live-fire trials against simulated battlefield scenarios involving launched drones. Mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, the MADIS platforms demonstrated their ability to detect and neutralize multiple targets using Stinger missiles and a 30-millimeter cannon. MADIS is a cutting-edge short-range, surface-to-air defense weapon that combines electronic warfare capabilities with Stinger missiles. Designed to enhance low-altitude air defense, MADIS provides increased lethality against fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The system incorporates radar and command and control components for continuous threat monitoring. This successful test marks a significant milestone for the Marine Corps as they work towards fielding the MADIS system. The program office plans to conduct more live-fire tests to further train personnel, verify equipment, and evaluate the system's operational effectiveness. #USMarineCorps #AirDefense #MADIS #MilitaryTesting #AdvancedTechnology #SurfaceToAirDefense #Security #DefenseSystem #Drones #Lethality #Innovation

YES! From War on the Rocks today, dispelling recent bizarre arguments that the USAF and air superiority have been rendered irrelevant by drones... The article puts a common sense approach to roles and missions, arguing we need BOTH air defense and air superiority. Dead on, and this should be obvious.... " Force protection of servicemembers in forward locations remains a high priority for commanders at all echelons, and the solution to the air and missile threat will require a multi-service effort that enables both air superiority and air defense as a holistic objective of joint air dominance." https://lnkd.in/eNJE7xTi

For those old enough to remember “blip enhance” which made a Perry-class frigate appear to be an aircraft carrier on radar, this is the 21st century version: “The U.S. Navy says that if it had more money one of its priorities would be accelerating the development of an advanced ship-launched flying decoy drone that can mimic underway vessels and can be networked with other electronic warfare systems to defend against incoming anti-ship missiles.” You know I am going to say it: I wonder how many of these can be carried in the 390,000 cubic-foot internal bay of the Independence-variant LCS.

The United States Marine Corps is planning to field three new mobile air defense systems by 2025 to enhance their capabilities against aerial threats. These systems include the Medium-Range Intercept Capability (MRIC), Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), and Light MADIS. The MRIC, based on Israel's Iron Dome, will provide defense against cruise missiles and larger drones. MADIS and LMADIS, designed to fight in pairs, will offer counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities. The Marines aim to address the evolving threat landscape, but challenges remain in keeping up with the ever-changing nature of threats. The fielding of these systems will strengthen the Marine Corps' ability to protect personnel and bases from rockets, drones, and cruise missiles. #MarineCorps #AirDefense #MilitaryTechnology #Security #DefenseSystems

Battlegroup Dnepr "The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 100 troops, three motor vehicles, a US-made 155 mm M777 howitzer, a D-20 howitzer and an ammunition depot," the ministry said. Units of Battlegroup Dnepr hit Ukrainian 121st and 124th territorial defense brigades near Sadovoye, Antonovka and Zolotaya Balka in the Kherson Region. Air Force and air defenses "Russian tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket forces and artillery destroyed a command post and a drone storage facility of the Ukrainian 63rd Mechanized Brigade, a low-altitude surveillance radar, an engagement radar, a combat control vehicle and two launchers of the S-300 missile system," the ministry said. Ukrainian troops and equipment were hit in 146 areas. "Air defenses shot down two Tochka-U tactical missiles, two French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, a rocket of the US-made HIMARS and 61 unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said. Tally of destroyed equipment Since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces have destroyed a total of 630 Ukrainian warplanes, 278 helicopters, 28,330 unmanned aerial vehicles, 556 surface-to-air missile systems, 16,645 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,383 multiple launch rocket systems, 12,319 field artillery guns and mortars and 24,012 special military motor vehicles. (Part Three, The End) #business #finance #financialservices

The F-14D “Super Tomcat” was the final variant introduced by Grumman in the late 1980’s. Similar to its predecessors, the most modern Tomcat featured F110-GE-400 engines. Additionally, the Super Tomcat was fitted with the Airborne Self Protection Jammer, the AN/APG-71 radar, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System and other enhancements. The F-14D also has the LANTIRN targeting system that enables delivery of an array of laser-guided bombs for precision strikes in air-to-ground combat missiles. As detailed by Air and Space, “With its Fast Tactical Imagery (FTI) system the F-14 can transmit and receive targeting/reconnaissance imagery in-flight to provide time sensitive strike capability. This F-14D is also capable of carrying the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) providing in-theater tactical reconnaissance.” Perhaps most impressively, the F-14D could carry four joint attack munitions (JADM).

Lockheed Martin recently supported a successful government test of the Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) system's electronic attack capabilities while installed on a U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopter. 🗞️ The test was the first time the system was able to perform engagement testing, demonstrate the ability to defeat threats and quantify system performance, all while integrated and controlled by the target platform. The AOEW system is a force multiplier for sailors and will help the Navy dominate and control the battlespace without ever firing a single shot. Read more: https://lnkd.in/geSj8DsH #manufacturer #bostoncenterless #manufacturing #contractmanufacturing #machining #manufacturers #manufacturingindustry #industrial #industrialmanufacturing #aerospace #defense

U.S. Marines, and service members from Australia and the United Kingdom, participated in a kill web demonstration aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 3, 2024. The trilateral defense and security partnership amongst the three allies, also known as AUKUS, displayed their shared commitment to strengthen deterrence capabilities and promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. During a combat training scenario, service members from the three countries were joined by contractors from AeroVironment, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer. Together, everyone worked to search, locate and destroy mock enemy tanks, using two inert Switchblade 600 munitions. Switchblade 600 munitions are direct fire loitering munitions systems that rely on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) provided by UAVs. Troops in command operations centers use ISR to detect enemy forces ahead of troops on the ground. Once enemy tanks are detected, rear troops will launch the Switchblade 600 and will loiter until a forward Marine directs it to the target for a strike. (United States Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Michael Bartman)

You're probably familiar with our Warfare Tactics Instructor program or the advanced tactical training we offer to the Fleet through SWATT, but are you familiar with the Operational Support we provide through our reachback teams? RDML Wilson Marks, SMWDC Commander, recently sat down with Megan Eckstein of Defense News to discuss our efforts supporting the fight in the Red Sea. Read the article and let us know what more you want to know about our Operational Support mission or our other primary lines of operation.