Marine anti-tank missilemen are getting attack drones for a new precision-strike role
The Marine Corps plans to give anti-tank missilemen loitering munitions as it pushes drone warfare capabilities to lower-level units.
Marine anti-tank missile Marines are set to receive new loitering munitions, one-way attack drones, in January. These drones will enable small infantry units to conduct precision strikes on targets beyond the range of traditional missiles, without needing to call in aircraft or artillery. The Corps is also providing counter-drone gear and training rifle squads to use the new technology.
Lt. Gen. Jay Bargeron, the Corps' director of strategy, plans, and policy, explained that the service is aiming to bring precision strike capabilities down to the lowest level, enhancing the lethality of Marines already engaged in that mission. Though the missileman job title remains unchanged, they are now being referred to as "precision strike Marines."
The new loitering munitions will provide Marines with the ability to conduct precision strikes at distances previously requiring nearby aircraft or artillery support. However, the same technology presents a growing defensive challenge, as the US military works to find reliable ways to defeat drones at scale. The Corps has already fielded 80 sets of an organic system for countering small drones, with 300 more planned this year.
This includes a drone detection capability, electronic-warfare systems, and ammunition for firing at drone targets from standard-issue rifles. A new three-day counter-drone course is being developed for rifle squads at the Corps' major combat training center.
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