US Army Delivers Advanced Recon Drones to First Brigade Combat Team

The US Army has delivered the first batch of short range reconnaissance (SRR) drones to an airborne brigade combat team.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division received drone and equipment training as part of a wider effort to enhance the service’s operational effectiveness.

“The ability to quickly deliver UAS and add new capabilities onto these systems at the rate of technology is essential to ensure our units have the operational advantage on the battlefield,” Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems COL Danielle Medaglia said.

Short Range Reconnaissance Drone

Featuring advanced sensors, the SRR offers real-time reconnaissance, security, and target acquisition capabilities to the soldier.

Timely data provided by the system enables swift and informed decision-making for commanders.

Moreover, “these UAS enable operational flexibility and agility across the battlefield through enhancing threat detection, safe route identification, and minimizing exposures to hazards, making them highly valuable capabilities in the Army’s formations,” the US Army explained.

Fielding Expected This Year

Skydio RQ-28A is the US Army’s first-ever fielded drone acquired as part of the SRR program.

The rucksack-portable quadcopter weighs less than five pounds (2.2 kilograms), can be launched by hand, and has vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

The fielding of tranche 1 SRR systems is expected to be complete this year.

Tranche 2 will feature improved autonomy, a new controller, and a modular open systems approach to incorporate new technologies and capabilities.

Skydio’s X10-D entered the Tranche 2 program’s final phase in January.