US Marines Undertake Inaugural MADIS Live-Fire Training in Hawaii

The 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division of the U.S. Marines recently conducted the first live fire training of the Marine Air Defence Integrated System (MADIS) in Hawaii.

The MADIS was used for counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) live-fire training, demonstrating the USMC’s new ground-based air defence capability. The new weapon system is a key component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative.

MADIS is operated by the Marines of 3d LAAB’s Ground-Based Air Defence Battery and was fielded on the Hawaiian island in December, 2024.

“The fielding of the Marine Air Defence Integrated System to the Marines of 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion is the culmination of years of tireless work from government and industry teammates across the country. The delivery of the critical capabilities the system provides to 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion and by extension 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, makes the stand-in-force more survivable and lethal in the conduct of contested littoral operations against emerging aerial threats,” said Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, Commanding Officer, 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion.

The MADIS air defence system is a highly mobile, short-range, surface-to-air defense weapon, which can detect, track, identify, and engage various unmanned aerial systems with various missiles, air-to-air launchers, chain guns, machine guns, and simulated munitions.

Emphasizing the importance of the MADIS capability, Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer, 3d MLR, stated, “fielding of MADIS to the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment enhances our collective lethality, and provides remarkable tactical flexibility given them system’s reach, range and mobility.”

A USMC unit specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment is stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region.