The US Marine Corps has enlisted the services of Anduril Industries to provide drone technology for the next phase of the Organic Precision Fires–Light (OPF-L) program, aimed at equipping infantry squads with portable precision strike capabilities. This initiative marks a significant investment in modernizing military operations, with Anduril receiving a contract valued at $23.9 million for the delivery of over 600 Bolt-M man-portable loitering munitions, along with ground control and support equipment.
Deliveries are scheduled to unfold between February 2026 and April 2027, while operational fielding of the systems is planned for the summer of this year. This new order follows an initial tranche of more than 250 Bolt-M systems, which have undergone extensive testing over the past 13 months. These trials successfully validated the Bolt-M’s performance against a multitude of safety, environmental, and operational criteria.
The Bolt-M drone, introduced in October 2024, is engineered to find, track, and engage ground targets, boasting a range of over 20 kilometers (approximately 12 miles) and an endurance of about 40 minutes. One of its standout features is a user-friendly handheld control interface, making it accessible for operators with varying levels of technical skill. The compact drone weighs between 13 and 15 pounds (5.9 to 6.8 kilograms), which enhances its portability and usability in the field.
Anduril has ramped up its production capabilities, aiming to manufacture over 175 Bolt-M systems per month, advancing from an initial production rate of 100 units. This indicates a robust commitment to meeting the demands of the Marine Corps as they seek to expand their operational capabilities.
The broader OPF-L program focuses on providing rifle squads and platoons with a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) precision strike option. This effort is part of a multi-vendor collaboration, which also includes contributions from AeroVironment and Teledyne FLIR Defense. In April 2024, AeroVironment was tasked with supplying its Switchblade 300 Block 20 loitering munition for the program’s initial phase. Teledyne followed suit by providing more than 600 units of its Rogue 1 loitering munition in December 2025.
According to Major Jesse Hume from the OPF program office, the initiative is not designed to replace existing military systems but to complement them. This approach provides commanders with additional tactical options, enabling them to adapt more effectively to the complex dynamics of modern warfare. As the military continues to evolve, efforts like the OPF-L program reflect a commitment to enhancing the capabilities and flexibility of ground forces in an ever-changing battlefield landscape.
