The Marine Corps is equipping its infantry squads with a brand new precision strike software that guarantees to vary how small items interact threats in contested environments. Anduril Industries not too long ago secured a $23.9 million contract to ship greater than 600 Bolt-M loitering munitions programs, beginning in February, beneath the Natural Precision Fires-Gentle program (or “OPF-L”).
This transfer places long-range, man-packable drones instantly into the palms of rifle squads, enhancing their skill to strike past line of sight with out counting on bigger help belongings.
The Bolt-M, a vertical takeoff and touchdown quadcopter, weighs between 13 and 15 kilos; it gives a spread exceeding 20 kilometers and an endurance of about 40 minutes.
Designed for fast setup in restricted terrain, it integrates with Anduril’s Lattice software program for mission planning, goal acquisition and engagement. Infantry Marines can launch it from coated positions to scout and strike enemy belongings, akin to anti-tank groups, command posts or air protection sensors.
This growth aligns with the Corps’ push for distributed operations, the place squads function extra independently in high-threat areas. By offering natural fires on the lowest ranges, the Bolt-M reduces publicity for Marines and hurries up decision-making in environments the place air superiority may be challenged.
What the Bolt-M Brings to the Battle
The system stands out for its portability and ease of use. A small crew can carry a number of rounds together with a compact floor management station, guaranteeing it does not disrupt patrol balances. As soon as airborne, the drone builds an in depth image of enemy exercise earlier than delivering a exact payload.
Testing has validated its efficiency. Since its introduction in October 2024, the Marine Corps evaluated over 250 programs by security, environmental and operational trials.
It flew a whole bunch of occasions in opposition to numerous targets, proving dependable in consultant circumstances. Manufacturing capability will ramp up with Anduril’s devoted line, which is able to over 100 items monthly, maintaining unit prices within the low tens of 1000’s of {dollars}.
This effectivity displays a wise use of taxpayer funds, specializing in scalable tech that reinforces lethality with out pointless overhead. Not like bulkier programs, the Bolt-M empowers squads to deal with route clearance, overwatch and suppression duties on their very own, limiting the necessity for artillery or air help in ammo-constrained eventualities.
Becoming into Power Design 2030
The rollout helps the Marine Corps’ Power Design 2030, which emphasizes dispersed, survivable formations for littoral and archipelagic fights. As detailed in a latest replace on the plan, natural precision fires like these are key to modernizing infantry battalions for peer conflicts.
Squads acquire instruments to shut kill chains rapidly, adapting to classes from latest (and ongoing) wars the place small drones have neutralized armored automobiles and logistics nodes. In city or island settings, the Bolt-M permits Marines to navigate obstacles like ridgelines or water gaps, sustaining an edge in joint all-domain operations.
Critics of earlier Power Design modifications anxious about decreasing conventional capabilities, however additions like this present the Corps is enhancing, not diminishing, grunt-level energy. For extra on the evolution, see our protection of the Marine Corps Power Design Replace: What Each Marine Must Know.
Supply Timeline and Unit Integration
Deliveries start subsequent month, with programs and help gear arriving by April 2027. First operational items get the gear this summer time, marking a speedy fielding that represents this system’s significance.
Infantry rifle squads and platoons will combine the Bolt-M as commonplace equipment, with coaching specializing in its automated navigation and human-in-the-loop controls. This ensures moral engagement whereas maximizing pace. The contract falls beneath a bigger $249 million ceiling for the Natural Precision Fires-Gentle effort, permitting for vendor range and changes primarily based on suggestions.
Marines within the fleet have already experimented with related ideas, as seen in efforts to insert unmanned programs into fundamental items.
Take a look at how the Corps is selecting 13-grunt squads with drone specialists on this piece: Prime Marine Says Service Has Lastly Settled on 13-Grunt Rifle Squads.
Implications for Indo-Pacific Operations
Within the Indo-Pacific, the place the specter of great-power competitors looms ever-present, the Bolt-M strengthens Marine littoral regiments’ stand-in forces. Dispersed items can generate results from austere bases, deterring aggression with out giant platforms.
This functionality addresses gaps in contested logistics, the place artillery may be restricted.
It additionally attracts from world conflicts, highlighting how loitering munitions shift benefits to agile forces. Edge instances, like operations in dense city areas or in opposition to digital warfare, profit from the system’s automation and low signature.
Fiscally, it promotes accountability by leveraging industrial innovation for protection wants, avoiding bloated packages. Because the Corps refines this, it may affect allied forces, fostering interoperability in joint workouts.
For context on associated tech, examine Marines Revolutionize Readiness at Innovation Campus, the place related improvements are inspired.
General, the Bolt-M rollout marks a well timed step towards a extra deadly, self-reliant Marine infantry, prepared for tomorrow’s battles.
