The US Army is testing drone—dropped combat grenades - a new era of unmanned technologies in tactical warfare

The US Army recently conducted successful tests of the technology for dropping live grenades from small drones at the Grafenwehr training ground in Germany. These tests marked a turning point in the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the tactical level of combat. Together with the Combat Capabilities Development Command, the army combined the commercial Skydio X10D drone with a drop device called Audible, which made it possible to effectively use the UAV to target targets.

The tests have shown how quickly and efficiently existing platforms can be upgraded to expand their combat capabilities. In the context of modern conflict, where small units need mobility and fire support, such decisions become critically important. The idea is to provide the units on the front line with the means to act quickly, accurately and with minimal risk to life.

The Skydio X10D drone, known for its high maneuverability and autonomous navigation, has become an ideal platform for testing new combat functions. The Audible device, designed specifically for dropping grenades, automates the process of delivering ammunition to the target. This not only reduces the need for soldiers to participate directly in dangerous operations, but also increases the element of surprise in tactical actions.

The experiment took place as part of a broader strategy by the U.S. Army to introduce fast and inexpensive innovations inspired by the lessons of modern conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. The active use of drones there has already changed the nature of warfare, especially at the company and platoon levels. The army realized that the future of warfare would depend on flexibility, speed of decision-making, and the availability of technology at the lowest levels of command.

In addition, this development highlights the growing demand for versatile and adaptable UAV solutions. Such systems allow for reconnaissance, fire correction, and now direct strikes against the enemy — all from the same platform. This makes them extremely valuable for modern tactics and fire control.

The next step will be to further optimize the technology, train personnel to work with new systems, and potentially mass adoption at the unit level. The US Army continues to experiment with various types of ammunition and drones, seeking to create standards for the use of drones as a full-fledged element of infantry weapons.