USMC Seeks Industry Inputs on Defense Systems Against Small Drones

The U.S. Marine Corps is soliciting industry inputs on lightweight dismounted counter small uncrewed aircraft systems to help its troops defend against small drones. The request for information covers squad-level and platoon-level C-sUAS, which troops can easily train with and use. 

Proposed squad-level solutions should have a negligible impact on dismounted Marines’ primary missions and provide body-worn sensors, such as a handheld tablet, earpiece or glasses. Passive acoustic or radio frequency detection systems should also be used to receive signals. 

The platoon-level solutions that the USMC is interested in are battery-powered systems transportable by light tactical vehicles and can be assembled without material handling tools. The proposed systems should also include an omnidirectional jammer or spoofer of radio frequency and global positioning system signals.

The deadline for white paper submission is on Aug.2. The capabilities presented with the potential to meet the Marines’ requirements will have the opportunity to join an industry day live target demonstration in September, according to a notice posted on SAM .gov.  

In March, the Marines announced a solicitation for industry proposals for counter-drone technology to protect installations amid autonomous attacks on Middle East-stationed troops. The solicitation specifies systems combining anti-drone weapons with jammers and other non-kinetic capabilities to minimize collateral damage from falling debris and explosives.