U.S. and Bahrain test M-LIDS counter-drone system

United States and Bahraini forces conducted a live-fire counter-drone exercise in Bahrain on January 26, 2026, during which a U.S. mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle fired a Mobile-Low, Slow, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) interceptor at a fixed-wing aerial target, U.S. Central Command reported.

The training event took place inside the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility and was carried out as a bilateral exercise between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the Bahrain Defense Force. The drill focused on detecting, tracking, and defeating small unmanned aerial systems using a vehicle-mounted launcher integrated on a protected ground platform.

According to U.S. military officials, the exercise was designed to improve coordination between U.S. and Bahraini units while validating shared procedures for counter-unmanned aerial system operations in a regional environment where drone threats remain a persistent operational concern.

The M-LIDS system, mounted on an MRAP vehicle, is designed to provide mobile air defense against low-altitude drones that are difficult to detect and intercept using traditional air defense systems. The platform combines sensors, electronic warfare tools, and kinetic interceptors to engage small unmanned aircraft at short ranges while operating alongside maneuver units.

As noted by U.S. Central Command, the exercise also emphasized interoperability, ensuring that Bahraini and U.S. forces can operate common or complementary counter-drone systems using shared command-and-control procedures. Officials said this is critical for defending bases, ports, and high-value infrastructure across the Gulf region.

The Bahrain Defense Force participated in the exercise alongside U.S. personnel, allowing both sides to rehearse joint responses to unmanned aerial threats and refine coordination at the tactical level. U.S. officials said the training strengthens day-to-day cooperation between the two militaries and supports combined readiness in the region.