From delivering supplies and laying mines to high-speed drone racing, the British Army has taken its technological warfare to new heights.
Soldiers from multiple regiments are now not only flying uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) but also racing drones as part of their training, preparing for a future where technology and military might meet.
In a thrilling display of both tactical application and competition, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment took to Salisbury Plain for an intensive assault exercise on Imber Village, employing an impressive array of drones and counter-drone technology. The operation showcased the Army’s expanding UAS capabilities, using everything from Spike Firefly drones to ambush enemy vehicles, Malloy T400s for heavy lifting and casualty evacuation, to Parrot Anafis for ground surveillance. The troops also demonstrated anti-drone defences, jamming enemy drones with DroneShield equipment and even shooting them down with the SMASH sight mounted on standard SA80 A3 assault rifles.
Private Charlie Bugby, a D40 operator from the 2nd Battalion, shared his awe, saying, “This is my first major exercise since leaving training, and it has been an eye-opener, seeing how all the kit we have here works, and how it would come together in a real scenario.”
Meanwhile, drone racing – part of the Army’s jHub Drone Academy – is becoming a popular training exercise, with soldiers from the Parachute Regiment and other units competing in First Person View (FPV) drone racing events in London and Colchester. FPV drones, known for their agility and simplicity, are flown through VR headsets, requiring precision and skill due to their lack of GPS and stabilisation software. This skill is proving essential, as these drones are being used for military applications around the world, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East, where they serve as one-way strike devices with explosive payloads.
“The pilot is in total control of an FPV and you have to understand how the drone banks when it turns and be more precise in use of the controls,” explained Private Blake Summerville of the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, who raced in the 1st (UK) Division drone racing competition in Colchester. “It is quite hard to learn, and it takes a lot of time to build your experience and muscle memory.”
Organised by Major James Metcalfe of the 16 Air Assault Brigade, the competition aimed to “kickstart interest in a sport among our soldiers, to develop the skills that will provide a military capability.” Five units entered teams, and the event is seen as a step forward in Project Lewes, which integrates new technologies into the British Army.
Drone racing has captured military attention worldwide, with the third Military International Drone Racing Tournament held this year at Armoury House in London, the first time the event has taken place in Britain. Teams from around the globe raced at speeds exceeding 125 mph, manoeuvring through obstacles to test agility and precision. Lieutenant Colonel Karl Eze, a reservist in the Honourable Artillery Company and leader of the tri-service British team, noted the tactical potential of these nimble drones, describing them as an “asymmetric capability” that is affordable, adaptable, and highly effective on the battlefield.
The event saw Australia’s Defence Forces claim the top spot, with Britain finishing a close second. General Sir Roland Walker, Chief of the General Staff, presented the prizes, emphasising the Army’s commitment to drone technology as a critical component of future warfare.
As drones become increasingly prominent in the British Army, from frontline combat to high-speed racing, soldiers are mastering technology that will undoubtedly play a central role in the battles of tomorrow. The thrill of competition and the intense tactical training point to a future where the British Army’s fighting capability soars to new heights.
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