The US military has ordered MSI Defense Solutions’ (MSI) laser-guided counter-drone systems to help defend American forces in the Middle East.
The $24.18 million contract includes five Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher Systems (EAGLS) and associated engineering and maintenance support.
It came days before Iran launched a volley of drones and missiles on Israel. Delivery is expected in 30 days.
The contract is in response to “emerging and persistent unmanned aerial system] threats in the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility,” according to an associated Justification and Approval document the US Navy released.
“If the immediate procurement is not made, US Forces will not receive necessary critical C-UAS systems as required for capability in theater.”
Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System
The system comprises a remote weapon station featuring a 70mm laser rocket launcher with laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II rockets, Leonardo’s RPS-40 Multi-Mission Hemispheric radar, and a sensor turret with electro-optical and infrared cameras.
APKWS rockets such as the Hydra 70 Mk 66 have a range of 10 kilometers (6 miles), identical to the detection range of the RPS-40 radar.
The system is available in mobile and palletized versions to protect critical infrastructure, such as power, water, information systems/data centers, and moving targets.
