Kongsberg USA to deliver MADIS remote weapon systems for US Marines JLTVs


According to information released on October 1, 2021, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded a contract to Kongsberg Protech Systems USA to deliver remote weapon systems (RWS) as part of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) program.
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Oshkosh JLTV Joint Light Tactical Vehicle with Kongsberg RS6 weapon station. (Picture source Oshkosh Defense)


The Kongsberg MADIS RWS leverages multiple counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense capabilities. The RWS will be integrated on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and is the first 30mm remote weapon station to be qualified on the JLTV platform.

"The U.S. Marine Corps is investing heavily in new and modern solutions for ground-based air defense. This contract is a significant milestone for Kongsberg and proves that we have technology and systems to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Advanced counter-unmanned aircraft technology will increase the safety of troops on the ground," says Pål E. Bratlie, Executive Vice President, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) is the U.S. Marine Corps’ new push for modernizing its Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) capabilities. It is part of the U.S. Marine Corps plan to upgrade their two active Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) battalions. 

The MADIS system relies on two vehicles per section working in a complementary pair, the MADIS Mk1 and Mk2. The MADIS Mk1 will be responsible for primarily neutralizing fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. The Mk2 will fulfill the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) mission, while also providing radar and C2 for the pair. The Marine corps also has the Light MADIS (LMADIS), which hosts the radar and EW suite on a Polaris MRZR. The LMADIS served as a testbed and interim C-UAS solution before the fielding of the MADIS Mk1 and Mk2. The LMADIS is still in operational use with Marine Corps LAAD battalions.

The Kongsberg RS6 RWS for MADIS draws technology and competence from multiple counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense programs. The system leverages commonality with the family of PROTECTOR RWS delivered and fielded with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps and will be integrated on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) together with external sensors and effectors.

This is the first 30mm remote weapon station to be qualified on the JLTV platform. It includes the XM914E1 30mmx113mm DC driven cannon with a co-axial M240 (7.62mm) machine gun, an integration kit for the Stinger Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL), and provisions for future C-UAS defeat systems.