A U.S. Army exercise using live fire against FPV drones during the Best Ranger competition demonstrated the difficulty of stopping fast, small aerial targets and underscored the value of repeated, realistic training. In the event, 15 drones were neutralized with limited losses, highlighting both the effectiveness and constraints of current counter-drone tactics. The findings point to a need for new approaches and rearming options, such as shotgun-like munitions, to improve engagement outcomes without escalating real combat. The broader implication is that heavy reliance on traditional small-arms is insufficient against swarms of inexpensive drones, making practical training crucial as adversaries continue to deploy UAS in conflict zones. The forward outlook emphasizes accelerating experimentation on practical solutions and adapting doctrine before real-world encounters occur.
Dive Deeper:
The exercise involved 40 elite U.S. Ranger teams participating in a live-fire test against FPV drones as part of the Best Ranger Competition, with outcomes indicating at least some engagements occurred and 15 drones were downed overall.
The Matrix-T FPV drone, a 130 mph quadcopter used for training, was featured in the drills; it is designed for repeated use and matched modern adversary capability while incorporating safety features.
During the training, 5 Matrix-T drones were destroyed and 10 were damaged but repaired on the spot for additional rounds, illustrating the resilience of these systems and the challenge of precise engagement with small, fast drones.
Experts cited that small, fast FPV drones are inherently difficult to defeat with standard small arms, particularly at higher speeds, driving home the need for repeated, realistic practice and alternative countermeasures.
A leading counter-drone approach highlighted is the 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round, a shot-shell munition that releases multiple projectiles mid-flight to increase hit probability, claimed effective out to 100 meters and capable of simulating shotgun outcomes without a second weapon.
The piece situates the findings within a broader defense context, noting parallel experiences in Ukraine and Russia and stressing that effective counter-drone training could prevent casualties by reducing the reliance on real combat to test tactics.