United States Central Command confirmed the operational deployment of the EAGLS anti-drone system in the Middle East, following successful tests during the Sky Shield exercise, held in Kuwait.
Developed to protect American troops against aerial threats, the system uses 70 mm laser-guided rockets and is designed to offer an accurate and lower-cost solution to combat drones.
According to the CENTCOMthe EAGLS employs APKWS-type ammunition and was designed to act flexibly both in defending bases and in monitoring units on the move. The adoption of the system comes amid an increase in attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles against military bases and convoys in the region, which has raised the priority for quick and efficient solutions.
Produced by MSI Defense Solutionsthe EAGLS combines quadruple launchers with electro-optical and infrared sensors and a compact AESA radar from Leonardo DRS, capable of detecting targets up to 10 kilometers. This integration allows it to engage small, low-speed drones with greater precision, reducing dependence on more expensive surface-to-air missiles.
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The US Navy initially acquired five units of the system in a US$24 million contract, highlighting the urgency in strengthening the protection of forward bases and logistics centers. While exact deployment locations have not been disclosed, CENTCOM has confirmed that EAGLS is now in operational use, marking a new step in America’s layered air defense strategy 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
