The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., has developed the Munitions Air-dropped Lethal Effects Tool, or MALET, a kit that converts standard 60mm and 81mm mortar rounds for drop from unmanned aerial systems. Work started in 2024 so Soldiers can employ existing stocks rather than specialized drone munitions. The kit attaches without damaging the round and can be taken off so the munition remains usable as a conventional mortar. Tests at Army sites, including a recent live 60mm drop from a moving unmanned aircraft, showed correct orientation and detonation in the intended area. The team intends to provide kits at major exercises this fall for Soldier feedback before handing the design to industry and acquisition offices for fielding.