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USMC Issues Sole Source Notice for 5.56mm Anti-Drone Rounds

Monday, June 8th, 2026

According to a sole source notice issued last week, Portfolio Acquisitions Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), Program Manager, Combat Support Systems (CSS), PdM Ammunition (PdM AMMO), Quantico, VA 22134, intends to enter into a sole-source negotiations and subsequently award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract to Drone Round LLC for the 5.56mm “L Variant” Anti-Drone Rounds. This effort is estimated for award December 2026.

Launched earlier this year, the 5.56mm Drone Round “L Variant” projectile separates into several pieces to act in a similar fashion to a shotgun, making it effective against drones.

According to the Marines, it is the only kinetic munition currently available in the commercial or defense marketplace that meets the Marine Corps’ strict minimum capability requirements for immediate c-sUAS defense. Specifically, this round is the only solution offering “drop-in” compatibility that requires no physical modifications, specialized upper receivers, or distinct weapon platforms to be operable in current-issue Marine Corps 5.56mm weapons (e.g., M27 M4, and M4A1). Furthermore, its deployment requires zero additional New Equipment Training or specialized occupational specialties, rendering it immediately effective upon issue. Failure to deliver this capability places an unnecessary risk to Marines and could lead to mission failure and loss of life. Market Research indicates that Drone Round LLC is sole manufacturer and reseller of this ammunition. The appliable North American Industry Classification System code is 332992, Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing.

Posted in Ammo, C-UAS, Contracts, USMC | No Comments »

USMC UH-1s Become Drone Control Platforms

Friday, June 5th, 2026

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. —

In a significant leap forward for aerial warfare, the U.S. Marine Corps has successfully integrated its iconic H-1 helicopter fleet with advanced, low-cost drone technology, demonstrating a new and lethal capability for the modern battlefield. During a recent exercise, Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1stMarine Division, showcased the ability of the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters to act as airborne motherships, extending the reach and lethality of first-person view drones to strike targets from unprecedented distances.

“The primary objective was to test the feasibility of a non-kinetic drop and deployment of a first-person view drone from a moving helicopter, which we were able to do today,” said Capt. Quinton Thornbury, a UH-1Y Venon pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169, Marine Air Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “From there, validate that we can control the maneuver of that drone from the back of the aircraft.”

The exercise tested a critical battlefield scenario where ground forces from 3rd LAR launched a Neros Archer FPV drone. Once airborne, control of the drone was seamlessly handed off to a specialized operator team inside a UH-1Y Venom helicopter orbiting safely miles away. The Venom, leveraging its superior altitude and mobility, became a flying command post, directing the drone to its target and validating the aircraft’s role as an aerial control station.

This utilization of drones alongside manned aircraft is designed to counter the growing danger of more sophisticated air defense systems that force helicopters to operate from farther away, limiting their effectiveness. By pairing the H-1’s endurance and perspective with the drone’s speed and expendability, the Marine Corps is taking the next step the integration of drones on the battlefield.

This tactic allows us to keep our air crews safe and sound while pushing the lethal edge of the battlefield out to where the enemy is.

“We are still providing our ground support, and close air support, but in a way that lets the drones close with and destroy the enemy, rather than putting our Marines in harm’s way.” Sgt. Matthew Pocklington, a UH-1Y crew chief, with HMLA-169, MAG-39, 3rd MAW

Blending the strengths of a proven aviation platform with an agile, attritable weapon. It gives commanders a scalable, cost-effective option to service a wide range of threats without risking the aircraft or expending expensive munitions on every target.

The Neros Archer, already the most common FPV system in the Marine Corps infantry, was selected for its proven performance and existing logistical support, which accelerates integration.

The successful demonstration proved the viability of using FPV drones as a remote extension of the helicopter’s own sensors and weapons. The small, precise nature of the drones also minimizes collateral damage, a critical risk factor in complex environments. By enabling helicopter formations to detect, target, and engage everything from enemy armor to maritime craft from a safe distance, this innovation ensures the H-1 platform will remain a dominant and relevant force on the battlefields of tomorrow.

By 2ndLt Connor Jenig | I Marine Expeditionary Force

Posted in Aviation, Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

US Marine Corps Issues New, Sole-Source Contract to Polaris Government and Defense for MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicles (ULTVs)

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Minneapolis – May 22, 2026 – The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded Polaris Government and Defense a sole-source contract to continue production and delivery of the MRZR Alpha Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV). The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) is valued at up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.

This new contract also includes the MRZR Alpha 5kW exportable power variant for the first time, along with funding for continued support from Polaris engineering and logistics teams. The availability of 5kW of exportable power at 24v – while stationary or on-the-move – addresses the ever-increasing demand from power-hungry systems, including tactical edge computing and air defense systems. It also provides the ability to power external loads like a forward operating tactical grid, which are critical enablers of littoral operations in contested environments. Integration of the additional export power does not compromise the vehicle’s original purpose, maintaining the capability to haul two litters and other mission critical supplies while eliminating the need for a generator and freeing up critical cargo space.

This latest award reinforces the USMC’s commitment to its Force Design modernization efforts, with the MRZR Alpha ULTV providing critical off-road mobility for infantry, reconnaissance and logistics units. To date, U.S. Marines have more than 500 MRZR Alphas. Marines continue to deploy, train and test the platform in a variety of roles, including logistics platform, infantry maneuver, MEDEVAC, counter-drone, communications command and control and ground refueling for aircraft. As part of a broader wheeled vehicle fleet, MRZR Alpha ULTVs support the Marine Corps’ mission readiness, operational flexibility and distributed operations strategy.

“The ULTV is a highly capable and configurable platform that enhances Marine Corps readiness across the board,” said Jennifer Moore, program manager, Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC). “We’ve worked closely with the engineering team at Polaris to expand on its capabilities even further, including the introduction of the high-power variant, which opens new possibilities for communications and systems integration.”

Engineered for rapid deployment, the MRZR Alpha ULTV is an internally transportable vehicle (ITV) capable of being carried inside MV-22 and CH-53 helicopters. This “fly-and-drive” capability allows Marine Expeditionary Units to maintain high mobility in contested or anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments.

“Marines are known for adapting quickly – Any Clime and Place – and expect the same level of performance from the MRZR Alpha ULTV. This new contract enables us to continue leveraging our off-road engineering expertise to meet their evolving operational needs, whether that’s an increase in exportable power, towing capacity or payload,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “Polaris has been solving mobility challenges for its military customers worldwide for decades – with a significant number of those advancements made in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps over the last 10 years.”

Expeditionary warfighters operating worldwide in austere terrain require modular platforms that can adjust to multiple environments and modes of transport – tactical air, fixed wing plane and surface shipping – now more than ever. A single MRZR Alpha can be transformed into multiple configurations for varying missions, serving as a force multiplier for Marines.

The Marine Corps originally purchased MRZR Alpha light tactical vehicles using a GSA contract awarded from USSOCOM’s Program Manager for Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM-FOSOV). That contract ceiling was raised from $109M to $130M and the additional contract extensions were exercised in July of 2025. Each of these contracts reinforce the ultimate value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.

Commercial platforms like the Polaris MRZR Alpha have been instrumental in accelerating delivery of highly mobile systems to the field. Polaris provides global parts availability through its existing worldwide network of dealers and distributors, empowering greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.

Photos via USMC.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Pacific Defense Awarded US Marine Corps Contract for Next Generation Electronic Warfare Prototype

Friday, May 1st, 2026

Award advances SOSA/CMOSS mission system ecosystem and informs future EW fielding decisions.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Pacific Defense has been awarded a 12-month rapid prototyping contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager for Tactical Communications and Electronic Warfare (PM TCE) to support next-generation electronic warfare (EW) capability evaluation. The effort will assess Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) Electronic Warfare (EW) mission systems and their potential in modernizing USMC capabilities.

Under the contract, Pacific Defense will deliver SOSA/CMOSS-aligned mission systems to enable vehicle-based experimentation by U.S. Marines. The Next Generation EW prototype is centered on the C5ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standards. This approach enables rapid integration of new hardware and software into a common chassis, accelerating capability insertion while reducing vendor lock and lifecycle costs.

“This effort reflects a pivotal shift toward software-defined, open architecture C5ISR/EW capabilities that can keep pace with the modern threat environment,” said Frank Pietryka, VP of EW, SIGINT & Autonomy at Pacific Defense. “By leveraging SOSA and CMOSS, we’re enabling a scalable, interoperable ecosystem that allows the USMC to rapidly integrate and deploy new capabilities at the tactical edge. We’re proud to support this initiative and help inform the next generation of EME systems.”

This award builds on Pacific Defense’s role as the incumbent on the U.S. Army’s CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) program and the Australia Land 555 program. Insights gained through this effort will provide MARCORSYSCOM leadership with critical data to inform future force modernization and follow-on program decisions.

Posted in CEMA, Contracts, EW, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

GA-ASI Congratulates VMU-3 for Being Named USMC UAV Squadron of the Year

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 27 April 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), supplier of the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the U.S. Marines Corps (USMC), congratulates VMU-3 for being named the USMC’s UAV Squadron of the Year by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA). The 2026 “John I. Hudson Award” recognizes VMU-3’s operational effectiveness in using the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) program.

USMC’s UAV Squadron VMU-3, located at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, operates MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) UAVs with unique sensors and network capabilities that support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.

MCAA also named VMU-3’s Capt. Garett B. Goar as the Marines’ UAV Officer of the Year.

“GA-ASI congratulates VMU-3 and Capt. Goar for their MCAA awards and for the important work they’re doing in operating MQ-9A,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 20 MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) aircraft to the USMC that are operated by three USMC squadrons.

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods and a reinforced landing gear that extends the aircraft’s endurance while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities with Full-Motion Video and a Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

Posted in Press Release, UAS, USMC | No Comments »

Marine Corps Completes the Early Capability Release of OPF-Light

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

In a pivotal step for infantry modernization, the Marine Corps has successfully completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and the early capability release of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) system.

Managed by the Program Manager for Ground Weapons Systems (PM GWS) at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE MC), the OPF-L gives infantry battalions a significant advantage through organic precision strike power. With features like waypoint navigation and target-locking, Marines can guide the munition to its target while maintaining full situational awareness. This allows battalions to strike beyond the enemy’s threat range and dynamically shape the battle before closing with the enemy.

This milestone illustrates how far the program has come in just two years since contract award. “Speed and acceptance of risk have always been the drivers behind this effort, and we have identified any and all opportunities to remove roadblocks and push the limits of acquisition to move quickly,” explained LtCol Jesse Hume, from the Organic Precision Fires program office.

The comprehensive IOT&E tested the full operational sequence of the OPF-L systems. From mission planning and system deployment to target acquisitions, positive identification, and simulated engagement, the event confirmed that the hardware, software, and most importantly, the warfighter, are ready for deployment. This success demonstrates a maturing capability and proves the system’s effectiveness and seamless integration with established infantry tactics.

“This weapon system is important to the Marine Corps because it allows our maneuver element to close on the target without putting any support by fire in the line of sight of the enemy,” said 1st Lt Jaime Alarcon an infantry officer within 1stBattalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “The system allows us to get effects on the target without exposing any of our warfighters to that target.”

The feedback gathered from Marine’s will be vital for refining the training pipeline and informing the final procurement strategy to field the capability at scale. “This early capability release allows us to learn incrementally. If it’s safe, we put it out there, and Marines help refine the solution,” explained Tyler Hall, a project officer for OPF-L at PM GWS.

The capability release signifies a major step forward in the Marine Corps’ Force Design efforts. It moves the concept of a more lethal, distributed, and agile force from a strategic goal to a tactical reality and ensures the infantry squad remains the most decisive element on the modern battlefield.

By Addi Vander Velde, Office of Public Affairs & Communication

Posted in Drone, Guest Post, USMC | No Comments »

Echodyne Named as Radar System for Trust Automation’s $490M Air Force Counter-UAS Engineering Contract

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

EchoShield® radar integrated into Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) to deliver on $490M Air Force IDIQ

Kirkland, WA, April 20, 2026 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces its inclusion as a primary radar system within Trust Automation’s Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) Counter-UAS platform, to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force under a $490M IDIQ contract announced in August 2025.

Rapidly Deployable Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (RD-SUADS), Fixed Site Small?Unmanned Air Defense System (FS-SUADS), and Expeditionary Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (EX-SUADS) platforms adhere to the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard with EchoShield radars being the first fully integrated SOSA solution in the platform. The RD-SUADS platform is a self-contained, self-powered C-UAS system fitted to standard pallet sizes for easy transport via military aircraft, while the FS-SUADS is for deployment at permanent military installations and can be integrated as a group or standalone for diverse redundant base protection and 360-degree security. The EX-SUADS detection only system is designed for checked baggage transportation and sized to fit with cases in larger SUV vehicles.

EchoShield is the market-leading medium range radar that reliably and consistently generates precise location data for all drone types and configurations. A commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radar system, EchoShield’s industry standard interfaces and rich data options create a baseline data set that more accurately slews optical sensors, cues effector options, and accelerates reaction time. Boasting advanced classification capabilities built on recursive neural network (RvNN) machine learning models, EchoShield tracks all movement and pinpoints system and operator attention where and when it matters.

“It is becoming more and more evident that the fidelity of radar data, its accuracy in all data dimensions, is a critical attribute of any radar system,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO at Echodyne. “The new table stakes for every defensive system is actionable data at the range of reaction and with the precision to consistently direct kinetic effectors onto fast, nimble, UAS threats.”

“Integrating Echodyne’s advanced radar into our RD-SUADS, FS-SUADS, and EX-SUADS systems enhances both detection range and accuracy, enabling operators to identify threats sooner and respond with greater confidence,” said Ty Safreno, CEO at Trust Automation, Inc. “These systems provide agile, comprehensive C-sUAS capability that helps protect warfighters and critical facilities through elevated situational awareness.”

For more information about EchoShield and Echodyne, Eben Frankenberg will present to Counter-UAS Technologies in London, UK on April 20-22, and Echodyne can be found at Modern Day Marine in Washington, DC on April 28-30.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, MDM, Sensors, USMC | No Comments »

Marines Participate in Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course

Friday, April 17th, 2026

U.S. Marines participated in the Advanced Radio Frequency Intelligence Operators Course (ARFIOC) 26-1 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Feb. 26, 2026, led by U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (MARCENT) and sponsored by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). A program focused on advancing signals intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities in support of operational forces.

ARFIOC builds on foundational Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) training by providing intermediate to advanced instruction in electromagnetic spectrum awareness, radio frequency theory, signal identification, signal characterization, and advanced geolocation techniques. The course is designed to refine technical proficiency and prepare Marines to operate in complex and contested electromagnetic environments.

Originally developed during the 2015 Marine Corps SIGINT Strategy Working Group, ARFIOC addresses training gaps identified during pre-deployment cycles and has been hosted by MARCENT since Fiscal Year 2017. In Fiscal Year 2026, CENTCOM adopted ARFIOC as a training platform to support deploying SIGINT units.

The course progresses through foundational instruction, individual skills development, advanced operator training, and culminates in a complex, live radio frequency scenario known as the Culminating Exercise (CULEX). Throughout the evolution, Marines operate in a layered electromagnetic environment replicating pacing threat conditions and are challenged with tactical and operational problem sets.

Training events include multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance, signal reconnaissance target development, static and mobile SIGINT operations, and contingency response scenarios such as Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) missions in contested environments. These exercises require distributed teams to detect, analyze, and geolocate signals while maneuvering and adapting to changing conditions.

“ARFIOC is about sharpening the skills that directly impact operational readiness,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Rafael Alcala, ARFIOC course director. “Our Marines are learning to operate confidently in contested electromagnetic environments and provide commanders with timely, relevant intelligence. That level of technical competence and adaptability is critical to success in today’s operational landscape.”

ARFIOC incorporates both digital and analog signal sets, frequency-agile communications, high-frequency targeting, and advanced direction-finding techniques to mirror modern operational challenges. Written and practical evaluations measure student progression and provide feedback to continuously refine the program of instruction. In addition to strengthening tactical proficiency, ARFIOC serves as a venue to test emerging technologies and inform future SIGINT training requirements. By advancing individual expertise and reinforcing unit readiness, the course prepares Marines to support commanders in competition and conflict across the electromagnetic spectrum.

“This course has honestly been one of the best training opportunities I’ve had,” said Cpl. Coby Prociw, a student in ARFIOC 26-1. “It forces you to think and adapt in real time instead of just going through the motions. The scenarios feel real, and it’s definitely making me more confident and better prepared for when we have to do this outside of training.”

With ARFIOC 26-1 complete, course leadership continues refining the program of instruction based on student performance and operational feedback to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with evolving mission requirements. The next iteration of ARFIOC is tentatively planned for fall 2026, continuing the effort to advance Marine Corps signals intelligence readiness and prepare the joint force for future operational demands.

Story by Ruben Cordero

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

Photos by Sgt. Angela Wilcox

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

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