Marines Set To Unleash Precision Warfare With New Opf-L Capability

United States Marine Corps Fielding Organic Precision Fires-Light Capabilities

The United States Marine Corps is set to officially begin fielding its new launched effects capabilities, dubbed Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L), to operational units in June, according to Col. Bradley Sams, program manager of Ground Weapons Systems for the Marine Corps.

Currently, systems from three manufacturers – Anduril, Aerovironment (now rebranded as A V), and Teledyne – are being tested by units at Dugway Proving Grounds outside of Salt Lake City. These trials have been underway since 2024, with the primary goal of evaluating the effectiveness of these systems in providing dismounted Marine infantry squads with easily portable precision strike capabilities that can engage targets beyond their line of sight.

The OPF-L program is designed to equip Marines with a lightweight and portable precision strike capability that can be used to engage enemy targets in various environments. The system consists of a launched effects munition, a fire control system, and a guidance system, all integrated into a compact and user-friendly package. This will enable Marine infantry squads to conduct precision strikes against high-priority targets without having to rely on heavier assets such as helicopters or aircraft.

In 2024, the Marines awarded contracts to these three manufacturers to deliver the OPF-L systems, with Anduril providing its Bolt-M systems, A V (now rebranded as A V) providing its Switchblade 300 Block 20 product, and Teledyne providing its Rogue 1 systems. Since their initial award, both Anduril and Teledyne have received follow-on contracts for over 600 systems each.

The Marines have been actively engaged in testing and evaluating the performance of these systems, with a focus on ensuring that they meet the Corps’ requirements for precision strike capabilities. The tests have involved simulating various scenarios, including urban warfare and anti-armor operations, to assess the effectiveness of the OPF-L system in different environments.

One of the key lessons being learned from the Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) launched effects program is the importance of integrating these systems into Brigade Combat Teams. The LASSO program aims to deliver portable, lightweight anti-armor systems to units at the brigade level, providing them with a more flexible and responsive precision strike capability.

The Marines are taking a similar approach with their OPF-L program, working closely with the Army to leverage lessons learned from the LASSO program. Col. Sams noted that the Marine Corps has been actively engaged in this process, seeking out best practices and identifying areas for improvement.

As part of this effort, the Marines have recently posted a request for white papers for a medium variant, or OPF-M, which is expected to be awarded production contracts by fiscal 2028. This represents a significant milestone in the program, as it will mark the transition from testing and evaluation to operational deployment.

While the Marines are making progress towards fielding the OPF-L system, they remain open to exploring other options that may better meet their needs. According to Col. Sams, the service is “open to anything right now,” whether it’s a fixed-wing aircraft, a VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) system, or something entirely different.

The development of the OPF-L system reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare, where precision strike capabilities are increasingly critical for success on the battlefield. The Marines recognize that their infantry squads require more flexibility and responsiveness in their ability to engage targets, and the OPF-L system is designed to provide them with just that.

As the OPF-L program moves forward, it’s likely that we’ll see a continued emphasis on integrating these systems into Brigade Combat Teams and leveraging lessons learned from other programs like LASSO. The Marines are committed to providing their infantry squads with the best possible tools for success in combat, and the OPF-L system is an important step towards achieving that goal.

The fielding of the OPF-L system marks a significant milestone for the Marine Corps, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and capability development. As the service continues to evolve and adapt to changing threat environments, it’s likely that we’ll see continued advancements in precision strike capabilities like those provided by the OPF-L system.

Future Directions and Opportunities

In conclusion, the Marines’ decision to field the OPF-L system represents a critical step towards providing dismounted infantry squads with a portable precision strike capability. With its emphasis on flexibility, responsiveness, and effectiveness, this system is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare. As we move forward, it’s likely that we’ll see continued advancements in this area, with the OPF-L system serving as an important building block for future capability development.

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