U.S. Marines conduct live-fire FPV drone drill in Korea

U.S. Marines have conducted the first live-fire exercises using first-person-view attack drones on the Korean Peninsula, a milestone in integrating the emerging technology into potential operations in the region. The training, part of the Korea Marine Exchange Program, involved Marines from the 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and unfolded in two separate events in late July and early August.

The initial demonstration was carried out by the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion on July 30 near Pohang. A second live-fire event followed on August 5, conducted by the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, at the Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex in Pocheon, a location approximately 15 miles south of the border with North Korea. Marines employed the Neros Archer drone, a quadcopter-style system designed for one-way attack missions, carrying anti-armor and anti-personnel payloads.

Officials said the exercises demonstrated the system's capability to extend the reach of small infantry units, with the Archer having an effective range reported between 20 and 25 kilometers. This far surpasses the typical engagement distance of squad-level weapons. The technology allows Marines to...