US Army Enlists Leonardo DRS for Enhanced M-LIDS Counter-Drone Solutions
Leonardo DRS, Inc. revealed yesterday that it secured a contract to supply additional counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) platforms in assistance of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires/Rapid Capabilities Office’s ongoing Mobile-Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft System Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) initiative.
On October 7, 2022, DRS obtained approximately $40,000,000, and on November 11, 2022, the firm was granted about $20,000,000 via a modification contract.
Under the current indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, this latest task order mandates DRS to supply additional kinetic defeat vehicles and spare parts. M-LIDS enables troops to detect, identify, track, and neutralize small UAS using electronic warfare and kinetic defeat strategies. The M-LIDS framework incorporates a fusion of kinetic defeat effectors, including the XM914 (30mm) cannon mounted on Moog Inc.’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP®) turret.
“Leonardo DRS takes pride in being part of the M-LIDS team, and we are grateful for the chance to provide additional vehicles. Drones pose a significant threat to our soldiers,” stated Aaron Hankins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of DRS Land Systems. “Delivering M-LIDS vehicles continues to be one of our top priorities, and we are enthusiastic about this new task order.”
In March 2022, M-LIDS Increment 2 was designated as a U.S. Army ACAT III program of record, with U.S. Army leadership directing expedited deliveries of various C-UAS capabilities, including M-LIDS. This two-vehicle capability offers a well-rounded blend of kinetic and non-kinetic defeat methods which have successfully completed extensive governmental assessment. Several configurations of M-LIDS Increment 2 are currently active overseas, safeguarding U.S. and allied forces.
The DRS Land Systems business unit acts as the primary systems integrator for this mobile C-UAS capability.
The DRS Land Systems division is an integral part of the company’s Integrated Mission Systems segment, offering force protection solutions and services such as counter-unmanned aerial systems, short-range air defense systems, and active protection frameworks, catering to the dedicated personnel of the U.S. armed forces.
