According to the German edition of Business Insider, the training, carried out at Fort Rucker in Alabama, lasts three weeks and covers both the preparation of drones for combat operations and their use as support for traditional fire assets, including artillery. Course participants practice on simulators and using real drones, learning, among others: recognizing artillery fire, quickly targeting targets and repairing equipment in the field using 3D printers.
The rest of the article is below the video:
Read also: An important arms group wants to go public. “It is being analyzed”
Drones replace artillery
Major Rachel Martin, responsible for conducting the course, emphasizes that drones are a tool for carrying out specific tasks, but they will not always be the best choice. Soldiers learn when it is worth using unmanned aerial vehicles and when it is better to use other means, such as AT4 anti-tank launchers or .50 caliber heavy machine guns.
The inspiration to create the program was the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the observation of activities carried out on the front. The conflict showed just how important a role small, inexpensive drones can play – both in reconnaissance and in precision attacks using explosives. In many cases, drones replace artillery and are used for long-range strikes.
The introduction of drones also influenced the tasks of soldiers. Unmanned aerial vehicles have taken over many reconnaissance duties that previously required the involvement of specialized scouts, we read in the German Business Insider. Thanks to this, a larger number of military personnel gained access to means of destruction with a range that was previously reserved for artillery. However, the widespread use of drones makes the battlefield more transparent, which makes maneuvers more difficult and favors the creation of positional front lines.
The USA focuses on further development of drones
In Ukraine, the popularity of drones was also due to limited industrial capabilities and problems with ammunition supplies. The production of drones turned out to be cheaper and faster than classic weapon systems, and some of the devices were manufactured on-site.
Major Martin points out that Ukrainian soldiers are fighting for survival and using all available means. In her opinion, the conflict could have looked different if Ukraine had an industrial base at the level of Western countries. However, experts such as Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute warn against thoughtlessly copying Ukrainian solutions. In their opinion, the West should continue to invest in modern aviation that allows for control of airspace – something Ukraine has not been able to achieve.
The growing importance of drones means that the US army plans to further develop this technology. According to Business Insider Deutschland, one of the goals is to purchase up to one million drones in the next two-three years. The training program at Fort Rucker will be expanded to include more advanced tactical elements and more difficult scenarios. The course graduates are to pass on the acquired knowledge in their units as instructors.
