JERUSALEM — A recent $3.4 million contract awarded to the Israeli firm Smart Shooter by the US Marine Corps highlights a broader trend: US military branches are increasingly prioritizing troop-level counter-unmanned aerial system (c-UAS) solutions. According to company executives, nearly every major service branch now holds a contract with the firm, signaling a widespread need for advanced drone defense.
Scott Thompson, Smart Shooter’s Vice President and General Manager for US operations, informed Breaking Defense that the requirement for dismounted c-UAS capabilities has been a “common denominator” across multiple recent contract awards.
Smart Shooter produces the Smash 2000LE, a rifle-mounted fire control system designed to digitally identify targets. The technology enhances accuracy by calculating the optimal moment to fire, ensuring the highest probability of a hit—a critical advantage when soldiers attempt to engage small, fast-moving drones with conventional small arms.
The recent Marine Corps agreement follows a series of rapid contract wins. On June 1, the company announced a $1.8 million contract with the US Navy, while on May 11, it secured a $10.7 million follow-on order from the US Army.
Thompson noted that specific applications vary by service. While the Marines utilize the technology for Marine Expeditionary Units, the Navy focuses on protecting critical infrastructure. Additionally, the company has received orders via the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JITF), including requirements for the Air Force’s Global Strike Command to enhance airbase security.
Thompson compared the JITF procurement process to a specialized military marketplace, allowing various branches to quickly select and deploy proven capabilities. The JITF is tasked with synchronizing counter-drone efforts and delivering rapid capabilities to combat evolving threats.
Smart Shooter’s technology has been utilized by US forces since at least 2020, when it was deployed by special operations units in Syria. Following successful evaluations by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Office (IWTSD) for SOCOM, the technology has transitioned from niche special operations use to broader adoption across the conventional military.
“The next step is to provide this capability at a much greater scale,” Thompson said, noting significant market potential and interest from the Army Reserves.
The demand for kinetic solutions is intensifying as electronic warfare becomes less reliable. The emergence of drones utilizing fiber-optic links in conflict zones like Ukraine and Lebanon means traditional jamming and electronic countermeasures are increasingly ineffective, making direct physical engagement necessary.
Smart Shooter is also expanding beyond handheld rifle attachments. The company is currently developing applications for remote weapon stations, such as the Smash Hopper, and is working to integrate its fire control systems onto various vehicle-mounted platforms.
In addition to its US expansion, Smart Shooter maintains a strong international presence. The company recently secured a $2.2 million agreement with the Israeli Ministry of Defense for SMASH Hopper remote-controlled weapon stations and is currently participating in evaluation programs for the Australian Defence Force.
