Army Recognition’s Navy News reports,

The U.S. Marine Corps is introducing an automated weapon station into its Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS) to expand its ability to defeat hostile drones in expeditionary operations. The upgrade strengthens the Corps’ layered air defense network by adding a low-cost kinetic option alongside electronic warfare systems.

The new capability is designed to complement L-MADIS’ existing electronic attack tools, providing Marines with an additional means of engaging unmanned aerial systems when jamming alone is ineffective or unsuitable. The integration supports the Corps’ broader Ground-Based Air Defense modernization strategy, improving force protection while preserving more expensive missile interceptors for higher priority aerial threats.

This is the junior (light) version of MADIS. There is also a more capable version.

Since kamikaze drones are a threat that can emerge virtually anywhere, anytime, the Coast Guard needs to be prepared to counter them, both for self defense and for the protection of other assets.

U.S. Marines are adding an automated weapon station to LMADIS, expanding expeditionary counter-drone defenses with a new kinetic capability (Picture source: US DoD/ACS)

Certainly there are other alternatives, but since the Navy is buying this remote weapon station (RWS), it might be a good choice, in conjunction with the other elements of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS). They could replace most of the crew-served .50 caliber mounts.

Frankly, I would think the 30mm M230 gun, which can use an air burst round would be better than a 7.62mm. Apparently this remote weapon station can also use the M230 or the .50 caliber. The 30mm has a longer range and higher first round kill probability. It is also more effective against other types of threats.

An air-burst round also means that misses to not continue on to who-knows-where and cause collateral damage. Since we might be using these inside a harbor that is an important consideration.

Mast on PATFORSWA WPC

We already have what looks like the same type radars on the six Webber class WPBs that were assigned to PATFORSWA.

I would think every cutter WPC and larger should have the MADIS radars, EW, and two remote weapon stations. Every cutter should have at least one remote weapon station. The electro-optic that are included in the RWS provide other advantages as well including for man-over-board, navigation, and SAR.