The U.S. And China Are Training Troops To Attack With, Evade, Or Kill FPV Drones

In recent developments, both the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the US military are intensifying their training to counter the emerging threat of first-person view (FPV) drones.

Footage aired by Chinese official news channel CCTV7 reveals PLA soldiers engaging in training exercises aimed at evading and neutralizing FPV drones from a distance. Although the exact time and location of the footage remain unspecified, it clearly demonstrates the PLA’s commitment to addressing the FPV drone threat. The use of these drones has gained significant attention from major armed forces worldwide, underscoring their potential impact on modern warfare.

The PLA footage showcases a variety of weapons and tactics designed to counter these drones. Most FPV drones depicted are loitering munition types, controlled remotely by human operators in what is known as a “man-in-the-loop” system. Despite requiring a constant line of sight between the operator and the drone, these drones offer significant advantages in maneuverability and rapid response capabilities.

According to The War Zone, the footage begins with an operator, donning VR-like goggles, launching an FPV drone by hand. As the exercise progresses, five drones are observed taking flight. PLA personnel are then seen taking defensive positions behind concrete tank traps as the drones soar overhead. Around the 14-second mark, a soldier seeks cover from a mock smoke explosive, simulating a drone strike or bomblet release from an FPV quadcopter. Further into the video, PLA troops demonstrate various countermeasures, including deploying a drone-catching net projectile at the 18-second mark and using an anti-drone jammer gun at the 16-second mark.

Similar training efforts are underway in the United States, where Green Beret units are being equipped to handle FPV drones. As reported by TWZ, the Green Berets have established an “A-Team” to develop FPV drone offensive and defensive tactics. This training is conducted in preparation for their scheduled rotational deployments, enabling Special Forces soldiers to train foreign allies and partners in utilizing unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, it equips them for local surveillance and force protection in hazardous environments.

The US Army has recently contracted Flymotion, a private company, to provide specialized training services to a Green Beret A Team from the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Carson, Colorado. The contract, awarded without a competitive bidding process, required detailed justifications from Army officials to bypass standard procedures.