Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System
Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS)..[1] is a mobile counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) developed for the United States Army. It is designed to detect, track, and neutralize small unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones.
Overview
[edit]M-LIDS is engineered to counter small, low-flying, and slow-moving drones that are often used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and attacks; the system comprises advanced detection systems, including sophisticated radar and electronic warfare capabilities[2]. For neutralization, M-LIDS employs kinetic interceptors such as the Coyote missile, as well as electronic warfare measures to disable or destroy the drone threats[3]
Connection to C-RAM
[edit]M-LIDS is often deployed with the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) system. While C-RAM intercepts rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds, M-LIDS focuses on aerial threats from drones, providing comprehensive defense[2]
Deployments
[edit]- Date of deployment: May 21, 2024
- Details: Deployed to protect humanitarian aid operations, marking its first combat use. Installed alongside C-RAM for layered defense[4]
Romania
[edit]- Date of deployment: April 2024
- Details: Deployed as part of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division to enhance air defenses near Ukraine. Conducted live fire exercises at the Capu Midia Training Range[5]
Operational Use
[edit]M-LIDS employs a combination of radar and electronic warfare systems for the detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems.[3]. Once a threat is identified, the system can deploy kinetic interceptors or electronic measures to neutralize it[3]. The integration of M-LIDS with other defense systems, including C-RAM, are used to defense against a variety of aerial threats[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "Live fire exercise of the U.S. Army's newest counter-drone system in Capu Midia, Romania". U.S. Embassy in Romania. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ a b c "US Army deploys its new M-LIDS counter-drone system for the first time to protect Gaza floating pier". Army Recognition. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ a b c "US Army details acquisition plans for Coyote C-UAS capability". Janes. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ Axe, David (27 May 2024). "The US Army's drone problem – and how it's solving it". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ "Live fire exercise of the U.S. Army's newest counter-drone system in Capu Midia, Romania". U.S. Embassy in Romania. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-08.