On Monday in Elm, the Swiss army conducted new field tests of mini-drones in the presence of the media. The tests are aimed at mastering these versatile devices that can be used for reconnaissance, but also become precision weapons.
In the Swiss army, “drones are increasingly expanding their reconnaissance and attack capabilities,” reads the press invitation. Minidrones are used for reconnaissance and reconnaissance missions and allow the collection of information without endangering human life.
However, “equipped with explosives, they become precision weapons capable of engaging targets,” the army writes in an information leaflet. On the Ukrainian front, their mass use has profoundly changed the way war is fought: armies must therefore learn to protect their troops, vehicles, equipment and infrastructure from mini-drones.
Trained in controlling FPV drones
For the Swiss army, it is about conducting early tests to master the technology. As part of the field tests, which will take place in autumn 2025, 20 recruits have already been trained in piloting First Person View (FPV) drones. This is a full immersion piloting mode, using FPV glasses that allow you to view the live image.
As in 2025, tests conducted on Monday in Elm by the Defense Drones and Robotics Competence Center were aimed at integrating teams of FPV drones into combat formations. At the Wichlen training ground, the aim was to test the interaction between intervention teams using drones and combat formations and to develop intervention procedures.
The use of drones in crisis situations and conflicts has become the norm, emphasizes the Swiss army. In the face of the growing number of threats, the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports (DDPS) established a Task Force Drones in June 2024.
