Enhancing Individual Marine Combat Capabilities: The Role of AI-Driven Fire Control Systems in Counter-Drone Warfare

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In recent years, the rapid evolution of drone technology has posed increasingly complex threats to military forces worldwide. This shift in battlefield dynamics has been profoundly felt by the United States Marine Corps, which is actively pursuing new counter-drone solutions that can be integrated into standard-issue weapons systems. One notable development in this area is the ZeroMark Fire Control System (FCS), a state-of-the-art targeting device that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and powered buttstock technology to enhance aim precision, especially against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). This article explores the broader context of counter-drone capabilities for individual soldiers, focusing on the Marine Corps’ innovative adoption of the ZeroMark FCS as a potential game-changer in the fight against emerging UAS threats.

The increasing use of drones, both for reconnaissance and direct combat purposes, has transformed the modern battlefield. While militaries around the globe have begun investing heavily in counter-drone technologies, individual troops often remain vulnerable to these fast-moving and adaptive threats. Recognizing this, the U.S. Marine Corps has committed to enhancing the combat effectiveness of each Marine by equipping them with advanced fire control systems designed explicitly for counter-drone engagement. The integration of such technology is intended to provide a significant edge, particularly in asymmetrical warfare scenarios where uncrewed systems are commonly deployed by non-state actors and adversaries with limited resources.

In October 2024, the 3rd Marine Division in Hawaii conducted a live-fire demonstration of the ZeroMark Fire Control System, showcasing the system’s compatibility with the 5.56x45mm M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR). The ZeroMark FCS, developed by a New York-based startup with Israeli roots, represents a significant leap forward in portable, AI-driven targeting systems. Founded in 2022, ZeroMark has rapidly advanced its technology, securing $7 million in venture capital funding in May to support further research and development. This funding influx underscores the high level of interest in, and demand for, counter-drone solutions among military and defense circles globally.

ZeroMark’s FCS is more than just a targeting aid; it serves as an adaptive, real-time response tool that enhances accuracy by automatically adjusting the rifle’s point of aim. At the core of this system is an advanced array of sensors, including electro-optical cameras and LIDAR, which work in conjunction with machine vision algorithms to identify, track, and calculate the optimal aim point for engaging aerial targets. The system also boasts a motorized buttstock, which differentiates it from other targeting aids like the SMASH 2000-series from Smart Shooter. This motorized component, combined with real-time data processing, allows the ZeroMark FCS to make on-the-fly adjustments that compensate for factors like the shooter’s movement, environmental noise, and even the unpredictable flight paths of drones.

The technological sophistication of ZeroMark’s system is underscored by its ease of installation across various rifle platforms, including the M27, AK-47/AKM, and AR-15/M16 families. This versatility not only broadens its appeal across different military branches but also simplifies logistical considerations for forces operating in diverse environments. A promotional video released by ZeroMark demonstrates the system’s capacity to articulate both vertically and laterally, allowing for precise adjustments to the bore axis based on the calculated optimal trajectory. This feature effectively enables the user to engage drones with remarkable accuracy, even at extended ranges of up to 200 yards.

A major focus of the ZeroMark FCS is its potential role in counter-drone operations, a domain where traditional firearms and optics are often inadequate due to the small size, agility, and speed of modern drones. By automating much of the aiming process and incorporating real-time sensor feedback, the ZeroMark FCS minimizes the shooter’s workload, allowing for faster reaction times and increased hit probability. ZeroMark CEO Joel Anderson has highlighted the practical implications of this system, noting that it simplifies the process of tracking and neutralizing fast-moving aerial threats by providing a “virtual pivot” point between the shoulder pad and handheld position. This innovation reduces the reliance on human proprioception and compensates for common challenges such as movement, noise, and torque.

As of 2024, the Marine Corps’ interest in counter-drone fire control technology has expanded beyond ZeroMark’s FCS to include systems like Smart Shooter’s SMASH series, which employs computerized optical sights to identify and lock onto moving targets. The SMASH 2000-series, developed by an Israeli company, uses a combination of sensors and software to optimize aim and, in certain configurations, can even prevent the weapon from discharging until it is aligned with the target. These technologies are part of a broader initiative by the Marine Corps to equip individual Marines with advanced tools to counter increasingly sophisticated UAS threats, as outlined in a request for information (RFI) issued by the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) in July. This RFI sought proposals for rifle-mounted optics capable of tracking and defeating UAS, electronic warfare jammers, and specialized ammunition for counter-drone engagements.

The urgency of the Marine Corps’ counter-drone efforts can be attributed to a shifting threat landscape, one in which drones are employed not only for surveillance but also as weaponized platforms capable of dropping munitions or acting as kamikaze vehicles. At the Modern Day Marine expo in May, Lt. Col. Robert Barclay, an air defense advisor for the Corps, emphasized the importance of keeping pace with drone technology advancements, describing the current situation as a “cat-and-mouse game” that demands constant innovation. This evolving threat environment has been highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces routinely deploy FPV (first-person view) drones for reconnaissance and attacks. The conflict has underscored the need for portable, effective counter-drone solutions that can be deployed at the individual soldier level, sparking a surge in global demand for such technologies.

ZeroMark’s FCS has generated interest beyond the Marine Corps, with discussions reportedly underway to supply units to Ukrainian forces and other branches of the U.S. military. This interest is indicative of a broader trend toward AI-driven combat systems that reduce the cognitive load on soldiers while enhancing their combat effectiveness. The concept of an “intelligent” firearm, capable of assisting the shooter in real time, aligns with the U.S. Department of Defense’s larger strategy of integrating AI into tactical operations.

The ZeroMark FCS, with its unique configuration and AI-powered targeting capabilities, represents a significant leap forward, not only in terms of counter-drone functionality but also in how it challenges the established paradigm of infantry weapons systems. The development of this technology aligns with an escalating arms race in electronic warfare, where nations are increasingly focusing on integrating machine learning and sensor fusion technologies into the hands of individual soldiers. This focus reflects the recognition of a critical vulnerability: the rapid advancement of drones equipped with autonomous or semi-autonomous functionalities that are capable of outmaneuvering traditional countermeasures.

In addition to its AI-enabled articulation mechanism, the ZeroMark system addresses a fundamental issue in firearms development: the minimization of operator error in high-stakes combat scenarios. Studies conducted by military research bodies, including the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, have underscored that physical and psychological factors under combat stress, such as adrenaline surges, reduce a soldier’s aiming accuracy by up to 30%. The inclusion of the motorized buttstock in ZeroMark’s FCS aims to mitigate this issue by providing mechanical assistance that compensates for involuntary movements, creating a near-seamless aiming experience. This technical feature essentially bridges the gap between the human nervous system’s limitations and the technological demands of precision counter-drone shooting.

Furthermore, as the U.S. military increasingly engages in urban warfare scenarios, ZeroMark’s compact and easily mountable system is of particular interest due to its adaptability in confined spaces where drones are often deployed at close range by adversarial forces. Unlike bulkier anti-drone systems, which rely on ground-based electronic warfare systems or dedicated handheld jamming devices, ZeroMark’s FCS can be quickly attached or detached from a Marine’s primary weapon, enhancing tactical flexibility. This capability becomes invaluable in dynamic urban environments where hostile drones may appear unexpectedly from behind buildings or other cover.

ZeroMark’s design considerations also reflect insights from artificial intelligence ethics, an area that has grown in prominence within defense technology. Unlike autonomous weapons that operate without human intervention, the ZeroMark FCS supports a “human-in-the-loop” approach, whereby Marines retain control over the decision to engage a target. This design philosophy aligns with the Department of Defense’s ethical guidelines on AI, which emphasize human accountability and oversight, especially in weapon systems. ZeroMark’s CEO, Joel Anderson, has publicly addressed these ethical considerations, emphasizing that the FCS is a “force multiplier” rather than an independent decision-maker. This aspect has appealed to military advisors who are cautious about fully autonomous systems that could introduce unintended consequences on the battlefield.

In terms of its funding and development trajectory, ZeroMark’s $7 million capital infusion earlier this year is part of a broader trend of venture capital investment in military-focused AI companies, a sector that has seen record funding levels. According to PitchBook Data, venture capital investment in AI-driven defense technologies increased by 40% between 2022 and 2024, reflecting a surge in demand for dual-use technologies with potential military applications. These funds have allowed ZeroMark to advance research on hardware and software integration, specifically focusing on the challenges associated with target acquisition under low-visibility conditions. The firm’s collaboration with military experts has led to proprietary advancements in sensor optimization, which improves the FCS’s efficacy in adverse weather conditions, including rain, fog, and dust storms—environments that typically compromise the functionality of standard optical sights.

Strategic defense publications indicate that ZeroMark is positioning its FCS to meet future NATO standards for dismounted counter-drone capabilities, as set forth in the latest NATO Defense Planning Process (NDPP) for 2024-2034. These standards include requirements for modularity, cross-platform integration, and compliance with electromagnetic interference (EMI) regulations. In light of NATO’s renewed emphasis on interoperability and the increased frequency of joint military exercises involving allied nations, ZeroMark has invested in rigorous testing to ensure that its FCS can operate seamlessly within multi-national forces. This strategic alignment enhances its appeal to NATO member states, who collectively face similar challenges posed by hostile drones.

Expanding on ZeroMark’s applicability, recent reports have revealed that the company is also exploring adaptations of the FCS for law enforcement and security forces operating in counter-terrorism contexts. With a notable rise in the use of small, commercially available drones in illicit activities—including contraband smuggling, surveillance, and targeted attacks—security forces are urgently seeking lightweight, accurate, and easily deployable countermeasures. ZeroMark’s scalable architecture makes it particularly well-suited for adaptation to civilian settings where the need for real-time threat engagement is paramount but where the engagement rules differ from military protocols.

Future Applications of AI-Driven Fire Control Systems for Enhanced Battlefield Targeting

Looking ahead, the potential applications of AI-powered fire control systems like ZeroMark’s extend far beyond counter-drone operations, with significant implications for engaging human adversaries on the battlefield. As combat environments grow more complex and adversaries adopt sophisticated camouflage and evasive tactics, fire control technology integrated with AI and sensor fusion is anticipated to enhance the accuracy, reaction time, and adaptability of individual soldiers, transforming how military forces approach infantry engagements.

One primary future application is the enhancement of precision targeting against moving and concealed adversaries. AI algorithms within systems like ZeroMark’s Fire Control System (FCS) could be refined to predict enemy movement based on patterns and real-time data, compensating for human error in high-stress combat situations. These algorithms might incorporate machine learning models trained on extensive combat footage and sensor data, allowing for predictive tracking that continuously recalculates an optimal aim point as the target moves or takes cover. Military research, including recent studies published by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, highlights that AI-driven prediction models have shown a 25-30% improvement in target acquisition and engagement times, a factor that could be decisive in close-quarters and rapidly evolving battlefield scenarios.

Moreover, future iterations of the ZeroMark FCS are likely to integrate thermal and multispectral imaging capabilities, which would allow soldiers to detect and engage adversaries hidden by foliage, darkness, or smoke. This would be especially advantageous in dense environments such as jungles or urban warfare settings where visual obstructions are common. By combining data from infrared, thermal, and electro-optical sensors, the FCS could create a composite target profile, making adversaries visible despite environmental barriers. In 2023, DARPA successfully tested a multispectral targeting system that demonstrated the ability to locate targets with 90% accuracy in low-visibility conditions, underscoring the relevance of these enhancements for fire control systems.

Another compelling direction for AI-enabled fire control is integrating real-time biometric analysis, which can identify adversaries based on gait, posture, or other unique physical attributes. Leveraging advancements in computer vision, future versions of ZeroMark’s FCS could analyze a target’s movements and classify them according to combat readiness or probable intentions. For instance, AI software could assess if an individual is armed, calculate their distance and angle relative to the shooter, and prioritize them based on perceived threat level. These features, coupled with a database of known enemy combatant profiles, would improve decision-making on the battlefield. Such technology aligns with research initiatives by the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), which has explored biometric profiling as a way to provide soldiers with actionable intelligence in real-time.

Future developments may also include connectivity with broader military networks, allowing FCS-equipped rifles to receive and process data from aerial drones, ground sensors, and other units in the field. This interconnectedness would enable a level of situational awareness previously unavailable to individual soldiers, as real-time intelligence from multiple sources would be integrated into the targeting system. In practice, this could mean that a soldier’s weapon not only identifies potential threats independently but also syncs with networked data to confirm target identity and provide contextual intelligence, such as nearby enemy concentrations or known sniper positions. A pilot program by the U.S. Army Futures Command in 2024 demonstrated the effectiveness of network-enabled targeting systems, resulting in a 40% reduction in friendly fire incidents and faster target engagement times across multiple training exercises.

One of the most anticipated advancements in fire control systems like ZeroMark’s is the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) interfaces directly into rifle optics. Future FCS models may include AR overlays that provide detailed information about a target, including distance, elevation, and suggested engagement parameters, all visible within the shooter’s field of view. This immersive display could dynamically adjust to highlight high-value targets, mark safe firing zones, or warn the user of approaching enemy reinforcements. The U.S. military has already been experimenting with AR systems in training environments, with initial trials indicating a significant improvement in reaction time and target discrimination accuracy. These AR-enhanced fire control systems, when fully realized, would enable soldiers to respond more effectively to complex battlefield conditions by minimizing cognitive load and providing intuitive guidance.

Considering the ethical and strategic implications, the integration of AI-driven systems designed for direct targeting of human adversaries raises critical concerns. Unlike autonomous weapons, ZeroMark’s FCS maintains a human-in-the-loop model, requiring a soldier’s active input to engage a target. However, as AI takes on more analytical and predictive functions, some military ethicists have raised questions about how much autonomy is too much. The Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) has been developing guidelines for responsible AI use, ensuring systems augment human decision-making rather than replace it. These guidelines will likely shape future iterations of FCS technology, emphasizing the necessity of human oversight and accountability in lethal engagements.

Lastly, there is potential for the FCS to contribute to improved soldier training by collecting data on user performance and identifying areas for improvement. By recording each engagement, future systems could analyze shooting accuracy, response times, and decision patterns, providing soldiers with actionable feedback for honing their skills. In simulations, such data has been shown to increase accuracy rates by 15% after targeted retraining sessions. This training adaptation, informed by AI, would allow soldiers to better leverage the advantages of advanced targeting systems like ZeroMark’s on the actual battlefield, making them not only more effective but also safer and more adaptable combatants.

Other technologies … alternative and highly innovative

Advanced Capabilities and Future Battlefield Applications of SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH Fire Control Systems

SMARTSHOOTER’s cutting-edge SMASH product line represents a significant evolution in fire control systems, marrying advanced image processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to elevate small arms into precise, adaptable tools for modern combat. With a focus on both counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) capabilities and the engagement of ground-based threats, SMARTSHOOTER has developed a range of products that extend the tactical edge of infantry and special forces across diverse environments and mission types. This chapter explores the operational and technical advancements of each system within the SMASH line and delves into their future potential on the battlefield.

SMASH 2000L (3000): Compact Precision in Target Engagement

The SMASH 2000L (3000) is SMARTSHOOTER’s latest model, designed for seamless integration with small arms by minimizing weight and bulk without compromising its high level of functionality. Through its proprietary image-processing algorithms, the SMASH 2000L ensures that even small arms can achieve “One Shot – One Hit” precision. The system leverages a simplified installation process, making it accessible to diverse units across various branches of the military. Notably, the SMASH 2000L is designed with modularity in mind, providing versatility across different platforms and allowing it to adapt to different operational requirements with minimal modifications.

The compact nature of the SMASH 2000L is particularly advantageous in close-quarters combat and urban warfare, where weapon mobility and precision are critical. SMARTSHOOTER’s engineers have incorporated advanced machine learning capabilities into the system’s software, enabling it to adapt to varied lighting conditions, moving targets, and dynamic environments in real-time. By integrating these machine learning algorithms, the SMASH 2000L enhances rifle effectiveness under high-stress conditions, drastically reducing the potential for missed shots and collateral damage.

SMASH X4: Extended Range and Enhanced Visual Precision

The SMASH X4 builds on the success of the SMASH 2000 series by integrating a four-times magnification optic and an etched reticle, which allows shooters to operate effectively even without battery power. This feature is critical in prolonged engagements where electronic power sources may be limited. The SMASH X4’s range extends the operator’s ability to engage distant targets with greater accuracy, aided by an optional integrated Laser Range Finder (LRF) that measures the target distance with precision.

One of the most innovative features of the SMASH X4 is its ability to combine data from the LRF with the system’s Lock-Track-Hit function, a proprietary capability that allows for precise engagement of both static and moving targets. This feature provides a significant advantage in situations where adversaries may be using complex evasive tactics, such as moving in and out of cover. The Lock-Track-Hit capability enables the system to maintain continuous tracking, updating the shooter’s aim in real-time based on the target’s latest position and speed.

SMASH HOPPER: Remote Engagement and Versatility in Multi-Terrain Combat

The SMASH HOPPER redefines versatility on the battlefield by enabling remote-controlled engagement with both ground-based targets and drones, providing a crucial advantage in scenarios where direct line-of-sight is difficult to maintain. Unlike standard weapon stations, the SMASH HOPPER’s light and compact design allows for various mounting options, including on tripods, vehicles, masts, and even surface vessels. This adaptability makes it ideal for border defense, critical infrastructure protection, and complex urban environments where a low operational profile is essential.

SMARTSHOOTER has integrated an advanced Command-and-Control (C2) interface within the SMASH HOPPER, enabling real-time data exchange with other sensors and communication networks. This connectivity allows operators to remotely hand off targets, coordinate with other units, and maintain situational awareness across wider operational areas. For instance, in a tactical scenario where multiple SMASH HOPPER units are deployed, the C2 integration allows them to share target data and position information, effectively creating a coordinated defensive perimeter capable of repelling multiple threats simultaneously.

SMASH Dragon: Precision Targeting for UAV-Based Engagements

Expanding the operational reach of SMARTSHOOTER’s fire control technology, the SMASH Dragon is an advanced robotic weaponry payload designed for integration with UAVs and other unmanned aerial platforms. Leveraging the core SMASH technology, the SMASH Dragon enables UAVs to perform autonomous target acquisition and engagement, a capability that is particularly advantageous in reconnaissance and close air support missions. By combining real-time image processing with adaptive firing algorithms, the SMASH Dragon can maintain accuracy while accounting for variables such as wind, altitude, and target movement.

The SMASH Dragon represents a breakthrough in robotic warfare, allowing aerial platforms to provide rapid response in scenarios where ground forces may be outnumbered or outmaneuvered. In situations where ground-based units require cover, the SMASH Dragon can be deployed to engage threats from above, delivering precise fire support that reduces the risk of collateral damage. This capability is particularly valuable in mountainous, forested, or urban environments where ground-based line-of-sight may be obstructed.

SMASH 2000 PLUS: Enhanced Counter-UAS Capabilities

The SMASH 2000 PLUS extends the capabilities of the SMASH 2000 by incorporating a dedicated Counter-UAS mode, making it highly effective against small, low-flying drones that pose significant tactical threats. This mode utilizes enhanced target acquisition and tracking algorithms specifically designed to detect, lock onto, and engage small UAS, which are often difficult to target with traditional optics due to their size and agility.

In recent tests, the SMASH 2000 PLUS demonstrated an increased hit probability against moving aerial targets, with tracking algorithms capable of calculating optimal shot timing based on the drone’s speed, distance, and flight pattern. By implementing this dedicated Counter-UAS mode, SMARTSHOOTER has positioned the SMASH 2000 PLUS as a critical asset in defending against the proliferation of weaponized commercial drones, which have become a prominent threat in both military and civilian contexts.

SMASH AD: Real-Time Fire Control with Integrated Laser Range Finder

The SMASH AD (Anti-Drone) system integrates an advanced Laser Range Finder (LRF) that further enhances the accuracy of target engagement by allowing the system to receive target data from external sensors, such as radar or other detection systems. This feature enables the SMASH AD to lock onto targets that may not be immediately visible to the shooter, ensuring that engagement decisions are based on the most accurate data available.

Once a target is locked, the SMASH AD system tracks it autonomously, allowing the shooter to simply pull and hold the trigger until the system releases the round at the optimal moment. This high-probability fire control solution significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful hit, particularly against agile or evasive drones. Given the increasing deployment of drones in conflict zones, the SMASH AD’s combination of independent target identification and tracking is poised to become a staple in counter-drone operations.

SMASH HOPPER P: Portable Precision in a Single-Operator System

The SMASH HOPPER P introduces an ultra-light, portable version of the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), enabling single-operator deployment in a wide range of scenarios. The portability and compact design of the SMASH HOPPER P allow it to be carried, assembled, and operated by one soldier, making it particularly valuable for reconnaissance and rapid-response missions. This system provides a lethal, accurate solution that can be set up quickly in constrained environments, such as urban areas or dense forested regions.

In addition to its primary targeting capabilities, the SMASH HOPPER P is equipped with software designed to track and engage multiple targets, giving operators a decisive tactical advantage. The SMASH HOPPER P’s quiet operation and low operational profile also make it suitable for covert operations, where maintaining a low signature is paramount. Its compact form allows for concealed deployment, which is critical for ambush tactics, special reconnaissance, and missions where stealth is essential.


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