U.S. tests lower-cost air defense system against drones in Philippines drill

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. Marines tested a new air defense system called Madis during an exercise in the Philippines in April, aiming to shoot down enemy drones with guns and specialized ammunition instead of expensive interceptor missiles. In the test, a twin-wing fixed-wing drone was targeted over the South China Sea and was brought down into the sea. The system, according to the report, consists of radar, Stinger missiles, electronic warfare and jamming capabilities mounted on two light tactical vehicles. Tom Karako said Stinger missiles are more effective than guns, but their numbers are limited. The exercise was part of efforts to assess lower-cost defenses against drones.