The US Marine Corps has launched its first-ever counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS) training lanes during its Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 4-26, in mid-July.
Participating units implemented C-sUAS in nearly every training event to ensure Marines can confidently deny, detect and defeat enemy sUAS. Marines began SLTE with a three-day training evolution on C-sUAS lanes, which involved classroom instruction, practical application and culminated with live-fire tests.
Training specialists from the Marines first took a three-week sUAS operator training course with practical application to ensure their flying skills would test the C-sUAS response. The operators were trained to fly first person view sUAS with an emphasis on tactical employment on all ranges during SLTE.
To combat the sUAS, Marines employed kinetic weapons including the M27 infantry automatic rifle firing 5.56 mm rounds, the M1014 combat shotgun firing 12-gauge shells and the M32A1 and M320 grenade launchers firing low velocity 40 mm anti-personnel rounds. Non-kinetic electronic warfare defences were also tested.
During the event, Marines engaged simulated enemy sUAS as close as 20 metres with sUAS flying at speeds of over 90 miles per hour. The Marine Corps has described the results of the training as “promising” adding that tactic, techniques and procedures will be further developed and refined in additional training events.
For more information
Image: A simulated enemy sUAS is displayed after being neutralised with small arms fire during SLTE 4-26 at Training Area Prospect, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 17, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Fitzgerald)
The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.