US Central Command confirmed the operational deployment of the anti-drone system EAGLS in the Middle East, following successful tests during the Sky Shield exercise held in Kuwait.
Developed to protect US troops against aerial threats, the system uses 70mm laser-guided rockets and was designed to offer a precise and cost-effective solution in combating drones.
According to CENTCOM, the EAGLS employs APKWS-type munitions and was designed to operate flexibly both in defending bases and tracking moving units. The adoption of the system comes amid an increase in attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles against military bases and convoys in the region, raising the priority for fast and effective solutions.
Produced by MSI Defense Solutions, the EAGLS combines quadruple launchers with electro-optical and infrared sensors, along with a compact AESA radar from Leonardo DRS, capable of detecting targets up to 10 kilometers away. This integration allows for engaging small, low-speed drones with greater precision, reducing the reliance on more expensive surface-to-air missiles.
The US Navy initially acquired five units of the system under a $24 million contract, highlighting the urgency to strengthen the protection of forward bases and logistical hubs. Although the exact deployment locations have not been disclosed, CENTCOM confirmed that the EAGLS is already in operational use, marking a new step in the US strategy for layered air defense in the Middle East.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @CENTCOM | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System counters drone threats with precision. The system features a 70mm rocket launcher that uses laser-guided rockets such as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System and is an adaptable and cost-effective counter-unmanned aircraft… pic.twitter.com/Zbe1HiX53S
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 18, 2026
