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The US Army has taken a significant step into the future of warfare by conducting its first-ever live test of dropping grenades from small drones. This milestone was showcased in a video shared by the Army, highlighting a live M67 grenade being released from a quadcopter drone onto a wooden car-shaped target, simulating a combat vehicle.
Breaking New Ground in Uncrewed Aerial Systems
While various militaries and non-state actors have used drones for dropping munitions over the past decade, this marks a new era for the US Army. The test took place during a training exercise last month in Germany, involving soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 7th Army Training Command, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.
The drone used in the test was a Skydio X10D, equipped with the Army’s newly developed Audible dropper device. This mechanism pulls the grenade’s pin and releases the explosive over the designated target. Future training plans include large-scale 3D printing of these droppers to enhance operational readiness.
Strategic Importance Amid Modern Conflict
Brigadier General Steven Carpenter, commander of the 7th Army Training Command, emphasized the broader implications of this test for global defense and NATO’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Line. As drone warfare becomes increasingly central to modern combat, proficiency with small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is vital.
Indeed, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has highlighted how small drones can dramatically alter battlefield dynamics. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have deployed drones to deliver explosives, with Ukrainian troops using drones to attack tanks, vehicles, and ammunition depots. These developments reflect a shift towards integrating uncrewed systems in frontline combat.
US Military’s Growing Commitment to Drone Capabilities
The Pentagon has recently accelerated investments in drone technology. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has directed the Army to equip every division with around 1,000 drones within two years, reflecting an ambitious push to dominate the drone warfare landscape.
Training has expanded across diverse environments, including the Indo-Pacific, where soldiers learn to employ drones for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Alongside these offensive capabilities, the Army is also focusing on counter-drone technologies to neutralize enemy UAVs.
The US Army’s first live grenade-dropping drone test represents a critical advancement in its uncrewed warfare capabilities. As drone technology continues to evolve and reshape combat strategies worldwide, these developments will be key to maintaining battlefield superiority.
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