The Marine Corps is seeing success with fielding futuristic loitering munitions and unmanned missile launchers, but the flat defense budget has constrained the pace of the service’s transformation, according to Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the service’s assistant commandant. Most of the 96 programs linked to Force Design 2030 are performing very well, with a program called Organic Precision Fire—Infantry (OPF-I) highlighted as a success.
A capabilities integration officer for the Marine Corps has stated that the Corps hopes to field loitering munitions at the squad level by 2027. The Marine Corps also runs a program called Organic Precision Fire—Mounted (OPF-M) for launching loitering munitions from vehicles. The Corps is working on an acquisition strategy for OPF-M.
The Marine Corps is investing in new precision missile platforms, including the ROGUE Fires unmanned missile launcher. Plans for 2025 include acquiring 90 Naval Strike Missiles for the Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). The Corps also hopes to buy eight Long Range Fires systems to launch Tomahawk missiles.
The Marine Corps is looking to make their systems smaller and lighter for better expeditionary capabilities. Plans include heavy lifting drones for logistical purposes and a new vessel called the Landing Ship Medium for ferrying Marines between islands. The Corps is also working on integrating more autonomous systems, although human trust in drones for transport remains a barrier.
