NMESIS and MADIS arrive in Okinawa

U.S. Marines with the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, have formally taken delivery of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and the Marine Air Defense Integrated System in Okinawa, Japan, in June 2026, expanding the division’s ability to counter threats in coastal environments.

The fielding advances the Marine Corps’ Force Design modernization, adding land-based anti-ship and counter-unmanned aircraft capabilities tailored for complex littoral terrain.

NMESIS is a ground-launched anti-ship missile capability designed for sea denial and coastal defense, built for high mobility and rapid deployment across islands. MADIS is a short-range air-defense system that enables Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions to deter and defeat unmanned aircraft systems as well as fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

The 3rd Marine Division’s 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in Oahu, Hawaii, received NMESIS in November 2024 and MADIS in December 2024. The division subsequently deployed both systems to the Philippines in support of Exercise Balikatan 25 and 26, and the capabilities also supported Resolute Dragon 2025.

As the Marine Corps’ purpose-built formation for operations in the littorals, the 3rd Marine Division emphasizes strengthening its ability to operate in contested coastal areas and to support the Joint Force. The division underscores continued readiness and flexibility to reinforce regional deterrence and contribute to peace and stability in the Pacific.