The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has taken a significant step toward boosting small units’ precision strike capability beyond the line of sight. Marine Corps Systems Command signed a $42.5 million contract (Delivery Order 3) with Teledyne FLIR Defense as part of the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) program. This agreement covers the procurement of more than 600 Rogue 1 loitering munition systems, ground control stations, and training kits.
This procurement constitutes a fundamental element of the USMC’s Force Design modernization effort, initiated to prepare the Corps for future conflict environments. The OPF-L program aims to provide rifle squads and platoons with an “organic, loitering, precision strike capability” to engage the enemy beyond the line of sight. This strategic move enhances autonomy and agility by reducing the reliance of forward-deployed small tactical units on high-level support assets like conventional artillery or close air support.
The primary feature that makes the Rogue 1 unique for the USMC is its use of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) architecture. This architecture facilitates the launch and recovery of the system in confined environments such as dense forests, urban settings, or the decks of naval vessels. The platform also stands out for its GPS-denied operation capability , a critical feature for operational survivability in signal- and communication-restricted environments currently dealing with electronic warfare in modern battle zones.
Weighing approximately 4.5 kg (10 lb), the Rogue 1 meets the man-packable requirement. With an endurance of 30 minutes and a range exceeding 10 km, the UAV can reach burst speeds over 113 km/h (70 mph) during terminal engagement. The system supports modular payload options and has proven its effectiveness against various enemy types, including moving and stationary armored targets as well as dismounted personnel targets.
The most significant logistical advantage offered by the system is its reusability feature. The Rogue 1 incorporates an advanced fuzing system; this system allows the munition to be safely shut down, recovered, and reused when the operator disengages the target or aborts the mission. This capability significantly lightens the logistical burden of sensitive ordnance compared to purely disposable systems and reduces training costs.
The Rogue 1 integrates electro-optical sensors and high-performance FLIR Boson 640+ thermal cameras for day/night long-range surveillance. The coupling between the sensors and the warhead within the gimbal structure enables extremely precise targeting. This integrated sensor-shooter capability makes the Rogue 1 a critical node in the USMC’s “Kill Web” architecture , which is being developed to accelerate the targeting process and provide resilience against electronic disruptions. Deliveries of the Rogue 1 systems to Marine Corps units are scheduled to begin this summer, following the contract signing.
