US Forces in Middle East to get laser rocket anti-drone system protection

This will enable US forces to get their hands on around five EAGLS Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS). The exclusive agreement also includes additional supplementary items and training assistance.

MSI explains that its EAGLS counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) is a versatile platform for mobile and stationary integrations. It is designed to protect critical infrastructure, including power, water, information systems, and data centers.

EAGLS on a rush order

MSI also explains that the platform can target moving objects and offers the ability to “shoot and scoot,” making it easy to reposition from one location to another.

“Featuring a remote weapon station, MHR radar, electro-optical sensor, and a 70mm laser rocket launcher, UAS targets are quickly detected at a safe distance, recognized and identified, and prosecuted by the User,” MSI explains.

As per The War Zone, EAGLS is a complete system with three main components. These include a version of the Commonly Remotely Operated Weapon Station II (CROWS II) equipped with a four-round 70mm rocket launcher loaded with laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets, a sensor turret with electro-optical and infrared cameras, and a small radar array.

The system is designed to be used in either palletized or vehicle-mounted forms. MSI’s website shows a version installed on a pickup truck-style variant of the 4×4 Humvee light utility vehicle.

To be delivered within 30 days

The United States Navy has released a document called Justification and Approval, which states that an urgent contract action is required to address the emerging and persistent threats posed by UAS in the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR). To this end, the first EAGLS must be fielded within 30 days of the contract award.

According to the J&A document, “Immediate contract award is critical due to the urgent need for ongoing operations in the USCENTCOM AOR. “If the immediate procurement is not made, U.S. Forces will not receive the necessary critical C-UAS systems as required for capability in theater,” it adds.

Quite what the urgency is has not been made public, but it is clear that US higher-ups are concerned with the lack of counter-drone systems to defend US assets in the Middle East. This is likely a fear that has only increased given the Islamic Republic of Iran’s threats to attack US bases around the region, following its assistance to Israel.

Whatever the case, the purchase of the new EAGLSs highlights the need for increased counter-drone capabilities for US forces in the Middle East.