The Pentagon is closing one of the most expensive mismatches in modern warfare by fielding a new Marine Corps air defense system designed to shoot down cheap enemy drones without relying solely on high-cost missiles.

The Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) pairs two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles into a single short-range air defense unit. One vehicle is equipped with radar and electronic warfare jammers, while the other carries Stinger missiles. Both vehicles mount a 30mm cannon and machine gun, giving commanders multiple engagement options depending on the threat.

Built by Kongsberg, MADIS reached full-rate production last fall and is being initially deployed with the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion in Hawaii. The system was recently tested in the Philippines.

The cost disparity has become a major concern. Advanced air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 cost around $1 million each, while Stinger missiles run roughly $430,000. In contrast, Iranian Shahed-class drones cost approximately $30,000, and simple quadcopters can be acquired for as little as $1,500.

The 30mm cannon, fitted with proximity-fuzed rounds, offers a much more economical solution. Experts estimate that destroying a drone with five such rounds costs about $11,250. The Army recently awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth over $200 million to produce these specialized rounds, and manufacturers like L3Harris are ramping up output to meet demand.

The new system provides U.S. forces with a more sustainable and flexible way to counter the growing drone threat on the battlefield.