The U.S. Army Is Testing Robot Dogs That Can Shoot Down Drones With Rifles

By using armed robot dogs in training exercises, the U.S. Army is improving its anti-drone capabilities. These quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs), fitted with an AR-15/M16-type rifle, have been shown at Fort Drum, New York, as part of Operation Hard Kill. This exercise is intended to position Fort Drum as a premier counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) training facility. It is being led by the Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the Development Command-Armaments facility (DEVCOM-AC).

One of the newest developments in drone defense technology is the Ghost Robotics-created Vision 60 Q-UGV. Its gun turret, thermal imaging capabilities, and electro-optical targeting system increase its efficacy in identifying and taking out aerial threats. These robotic canines, which are operated from a distance using tablet-like devices, give operators a tactical edge by entering areas that are inaccessible to people and by providing improved vantage points and wider areas of fire.

The deployment of these robot dogs reflects a broader trend within the U.S. military to enhance its anti-drone defenses. Observations from conflicts in Ukraine and ongoing crises in the Middle East have driven the need for advanced counter-drone technologies. The Vision 60 Q-UGV aligns with efforts to extend anti-drone capabilities to the lowest levels of force structures, ensuring that even small units can protect themselves from aerial threats.

Rheinmetall’s Mission Master UGV equipped with miniguns and the Containerized Weapon System with laser-guided rockets were two more cutting-edge counter-drone weaponry on display during Operation Hard Kill. These developments highlight the military’s dedication to creating all-encompassing, multi-layered defenses against unmanned aerial vehicles. Armed robot dogs might eventually be a regular feature of American military operations as technology advances, helping to defend friendly forces from the increasing threat posed by drones.