USMC narrows down field for light loitering munition requirement
AeroVironment is offering its Switchblade 300 Block 20 to meet the USMC's OPV-L requirement. (Image: AeroVironment)
The US Marine Corps selected a team of UVision and Mistral to meet a requirement for Organic Precision Fires Mounted (OPF-M) loitering munition in 2021. It has now awarded contracts for the soldier carried light (OPF-L) version after the success of similar systems in Ukraine highlighted the potential for such weapons.
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has awarded contracts to three companies – AeroVironment, Anduril Industries and Teledyne FLIR Defense – for the development of small loitering munitions in deals which could be total as much as US$289 million.
The contracts were for the build, test, support and delivery of a non-developmental item loitering munition system designed to provide dismounted marines in the infantry rifle squad with precision-strike capability against adversaries beyond the line of sight.
The OPF-L will be man-packable and consist of the loitering munition, related ground control station, training simulator and ancillary equipment needed to support the technology, according to the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences]()
Lithuania turns to Saab and Kongsberg to improve air defences
Lithuania has placed a second order for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems and expects to begin receiving systems from its first order next year.
-
![Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field]()
Singapore enhances air defence coverage for army forces in the field
The adapted SPYDER system extends the reach and lethality of the air defence coverage of army units in their area of operations.
-
![Tata to build IFVs in North Africa]()
Tata to build IFVs in North Africa
The Wheeled Amphibious Armoured Platform (WhAP) was designed to meet an Indian Army requirement. Only six have been ordered by India and it is likely the US Stryker may be purchased instead.
-
![‘A true force multiplier’ – where AI can make the most impact in defence]()
‘A true force multiplier’ – where AI can make the most impact in defence
In Conversation... ST Engineering’s Ravinder Singh talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how AI can enhance human performance, the best ways to build trust in the technology among defence customers, and the areas where AI can transform military operations
-
![Most of Iran’s 200 missiles fired against Israel were intercepted, states Israeli official]()
Most of Iran’s 200 missiles fired against Israel were intercepted, states Israeli official
Jerusalem’s air defence architecture and the capabilities of its allies prevented major destruction in the country.
