Northrop Grumman M-ACE

The M-ACE is a counter unmanned air system (C-UAS) made by the American company Northrop Grumman.

Name

M-ACE stands for Mobile, Acquisition, Cueing and Effector System.[1]

Features

The core of the system is a light truck mounted surveillance mast which hosts a 3D radar, radio frequency sensors, and cameras.[2]

Northrop Grumman's M230 chain gun in a remote weapons station has been integrated into M-ACE.[1]

History

Testing of the system began in 2020.[3] Following testing the program moved into a design verification and upgrade stage.[4] Northrop Grumman promoted the project as mature in 2021.[2]

Operators

The system, including integrated M230s, is in operation with the Ukrainian military.[5] Units were first sent to Ukraine in 2023.[6][7]

Potential operators

The Republic of China (Taiwan) Military Police have expressed an interest in acquiring three systems, primarily for protecting the area around the Presidential Office Building, Taipei.[8][9]

References

  1. ^ a b PEREIRA, FLAVIA CAMARGOS. "How innovative technologies and a layered approach can make C-UAS solutions more effective". militaryembedded.com. Military Embedded Systems. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  2. ^ a b Reichmann, Kelsey. "Northrop Showcases M-ACE C-UAS Solution". defensedaily.com. Defense Daily. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  3. ^ Hughes, Robin. "Northrop Grumman moves to LW30 PROX qualification, M-ACE CUAS testing". janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  4. ^ White, Andrew. "Northrop Grumman Armament Systems advances M-ACE development". janes.com. Janes. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  5. ^ Stankeviciute, Emilia. "Australian company to deliver counter-drone system to Ukraine". aerotime.aero. Aero Times. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  6. ^ Gourley, Scott R. "U.S.-Made Counter-Drone Trucks Head for Ukraine". nationaldefensemagazine.org. National Defense Magazine. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  7. ^ PEREIRA, FLAVIA CAMARGOS. "Ukraine will operate Northrop Grumman M-ACE C-UAS". militaryembedded.com. Military Embedded Systems. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  8. ^ Chih-cheng, Chen; Chin, Jonathan. "Military police eye drone-killing system". taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  9. ^ Strong, Matthew. "Taiwan military police seek to procure 3 US anti-drone systems". taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 8 August 2025.