A Pacific-based Marine air-defense battalion is reactivating and will focus on knocking down threats from the air \u2014 including drones \u2014 as part of the Marine Corps\u2019 overhaul aimed at countering China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion\u2019s Headquarters and Service Battery was reactivated at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, on Thursday, according to a Marine Corps news release. The rest of the unit will get reactivated in phases that will culminate in 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The battalion primarily will be focused on close-in, low-altitude, surface-to-air weapons, according to the release. It also will be able to provide command and control for ground security, the release said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion is part of Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force<\/a>. That expeditionary force \u2014 based in Okinawa, Japan \u2014 has taken on increased importance for the Marine Corps as part of a China-focused redesign of the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\t