US special operations forces are heavily involved in working with various drones, with a focus on honing drone operating skills and acquiring different types of drone technologies.
At the US Army Special Operations Command's Capabilities Exercise at Fort Bragg, a wide array of drones including quadcopters, ground vehicle systems, robot dogs, and loitering munitions were showcased.
The use of drones in warfare is increasingly inevitable, with a key goal being to eliminate the need for humans to make initial contact with the enemy by leveraging drone capabilities for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
Operators highlighted the adaptability and mobility of drones, particularly quadcopters which can change sensors and payloads based on mission requirements, and are relatively easy to learn and operate.
Loitering munitions like UVision's Hero and AeroVironment's Switchblade were also on display, showing the advancements in autonomous attack drones that loiter before engaging targets.
Robot dogs, quadruped ground drones, were another highlighted technology for enhanced reconnaissance and soldier support, offering a way to keep humans and military dogs out of harm's way.
The rapid technological advancements in drone technology pose challenges for operators in quickly grasping different controls and specifications, while also highlighting the necessity of integrating drones into warfare strategies for potential future conflicts with peer-level adversaries.
US special operators are adapting to the evolving landscape of modern warfare by incorporating drones into their training regimens and operational plans for potential great-power competition scenarios.
The integration of small uncrewed aerial systems and uncrewed ground vehicles into military operations reflects a strategic shift towards preparing for a high-tech battlefield environment involving drones and electronic warfare.
Special operators emphasize the importance of cohesive team training to ensure seamless integration of drone technologies into combat strategies and readiness for potential drone-centric conflicts in the future.
Overall, the increased reliance on drones in military operations signifies a significant shift towards leveraging advanced technologies to enhance battlefield capabilities and prepare for evolving threats in modern warfare.