The Marines Seek a New Anti-Tank Kamikaze Drone

The United States Marine Corps has officially launched the search for a new loitering anti-tank munition to integrate into the Fleet Marine Force. The system, named Organic Precision Fires–Medium (OPF-M), is designed to allow tactical units to engage armored targets beyond the range of direct-fire weapons, while simultaneously reducing the Marines' exposure to enemy fire during distributed operations.

Technical and Operational Requirements

According to the official request issued by the Marine Corps Systems Command, the new drone must ensure a range of at least 15 miles and a flight endurance over the target of no less than 20 minutes. Portability is a crucial factor: the munition must weigh less than 35 pounds, while the ground control station must not exceed 20 pounds, making the entire system transportable by a team of only two dismounted Marines. In terms of lethality, the warhead must be powerful enough to destroy heavy vehicles or ensure their mobility kill.

Technology and Control

The OPF-M will be equipped with advanced technologies for automatic tracking of moving targets, although the command specifies that the system must always operate under the "Man-in-the-Loop" logic, maintaining human intervention in the decision-making process. The technical document also provides for the possibility of setting or modifying navigation waypoints mid-flight and the ability to transfer drone control between different ground stations for greater flexibility on the battlefield.

Future Developments and Strategic Context

The Marine Corps' vision for the OPF-M extends beyond the destruction of tanks. The command indeed foresees the development of variants capable of hitting maritime targets, other drones, or personnel formations, in addition to integrating advanced sensor packages and electronic warfare systems. Future versions must also operate effectively in GPS-denied environments and use variable frequencies to resist jamming.

The Pentagon intends to proceed swiftly, having set the deadline for proposals to May 26, 2026. The initiative is part of a rapidly expanding market, where competitors like AeroVironment are already providing the US Army with similar solutions, such as the Switchblade family and the brand-new MAYHEM 10, designed for large-scale reconnaissance and attack missions.