The US Army launches drones with a first-person view: how FPV drones are changing tactics on the battlefield

 

The US Army has seriously taken up FPV drones, the ones that drone racing riders take off. Only now it's not entertainment, but a real weapon of the future and present (already used in battles in Ukraine). Recently, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment conducted a large-scale demonstration of these small but very nimble drones at the Bally military airfield in Germany, and the picture was impressive: hundreds of drones, like a swarm of bees, take off in minutes, penetrate buildings, bypass shelters and transmit real-time video directly to the operator's glasses. This is no longer just intelligence, it's a first—person war.

FPV drones (that is, with a first-person view) are not new, but for the first time the US Army is scaling up their use as a full—fledged part of combat tactics. The main advantage is speed and simplicity. These drones can be assembled in just 10 minutes, programmed, launched, and in seconds receive video "through the eyes of a drone." This gives infantry and tank units a huge advantage: now you don't have to climb into the building to check who's there, you can send a drone that will show everything as if you were following it yourself.

But that's not all. Such drones can not only spy, they are capable of suppressing enemy communications, carrying mini—warheads and delivering pinpoint strikes. And since they are relatively cheap (unlike heavy attack drones), the army can deploy thousands of them, turning them into "consumables" for the most risky tasks.

It is planned that starting from fiscal year 2026, FPV drones will begin to en masse in infantry and armored units. This is a response to real—world experience, especially from Ukraine, where drones have become a key element of modern warfare. Now Americans are not just watching — they are implementing, adapting and accelerating.

The FPV project is not just a fashionable feature. This is a new level of operational efficiency, when each platoon will be able to have its own "air eye" in its pocket. And if earlier victory depended on artillery, now it depends on who sees, detects and strikes faster.

The US Army is going into space: there will be a new specialty "40 Delta" for combat operations from orbit

Space is no longer just a backdrop for war — it is becoming an integral part of it. And the US Army clearly understands this. Against the background of the growing dependence of battlefields on satellite communications, navigation and intelligence, the army is launching the first specialized military accounting specialty in its history, 40 Delta, dedicated to space operations. This is not just a bureaucratic change — it is a signal: now space is as important a "combat area" as land, air or sea.

Previously, the Air and Space Forces were mainly responsible for space issues, but today the ground forces cannot afford to be passive consumers of satellite data. Modern operations — from artillery guidance to drone coordination and protection from electronic attacks — depend on GPS, satellite communications and real-time intelligence. If the enemy incapacitates the satellites, the army may turn out to be "blind" and "deaf." To prevent this from happening, they will now train their specialists directly in the army.

The 40 Delta military personnel will integrate space capabilities into ground operations: they will manage data flows, ensure communications stability, analyze threats from orbit, and help commanders make decisions based on space intelligence. This is part of a large—scale transformation of the army to meet new realities - where victory on earth increasingly depends on what happens at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers above it.

Russia has launched a "smart" V2U drone with AI and Chinese-American "internals"

 

A new attack drone has appeared in the Russian army — so far without an official name, but with a loud unofficial code V2U. He began to be noticed at the front back in February 2025, but everything really "exploded" only by June, when Ukrainian intelligence gathered enough data and officially declared: "They have something new, and it's serious."

What kind of beast is V2U? This is not just another kamikaze drone. It is an autonomous aircraft-type barrage munition with a wingspan of about 1.2 meters, weighing up to 15 kg and a warhead of up to 3.5 kg. It is launched from a catapult, flies at a speed of 60 km/ h and can stay in the air for up to an hour on an electric (40-60 km) or up to 100 km if a gasoline engine is installed.

But the most interesting thing is what's inside it.

There are movable optics in the nose: a 10x zoom camera (from Sony), lidar and a transparent fairing. Inside is a real computer based on a Leetop A603 board and an Nvidia Jetson Orin processor. Yes, yes, the very "iron brain" from the American Nvidia, which is often used in robots and autonomous systems. Plus, a 128 GB SSD and AI software, which, apparently, allows the drone to independently search, recognize and attack targets.

Imagine: a drone took off, entered the zone, scans the area, compares it with a map, sees a tank, an armored personnel carrier or a cluster of vehicles — and decides to strike itself. Moreover, he does not have to rely on GPS — he can navigate through the image from the camera, like a person from memory. This makes it resistant to interference and jamming.

Even cooler, it can work in a swarm, maneuver, avoid threats, and possibly coordinate attacks with other drones. And if there is a connection, the operator can intervene, but even without him, the car will not get lost.

Why is there so little talk about him?  

Because all the key components are imported. Cameras, processors, and boards— Chinese, Japanese, and American. That is, despite the sanctions, Russia has found a way to get high-tech parts. And, of course, he doesn't want to tell anyone where, how, or in what volumes.

There is no marking on the cases, the manufacturer is not advertised. This is clearly done in order not to reveal the supply chain and not to give intelligence agencies reasons to dig.

Right now, V2U is most likely undergoing military trials in limited quantities. But if it shows good results, it will be mass—produced. And then a new reality will appear at the front: drones that fly, think and strike by themselves.

It's not just the next generation of UAVs. This is a step towards autonomous warfare, where machines make decisions faster than a human can press a button. And while everyone is arguing about sanctions, someone is already teaching drones to hunt without orders.

Russian fighters in the Sumy area use kamikaze drones with thermobaric ammunition

 

Thermobars for kamikaze drones

In the Sumy area, Russian military personnel are introducing new tactics for the use of compact kamikaze drones equipped with thermobaric ammunition. These unmanned aerial vehicles are capable of delivering devastating strikes against enemy targets, including residential buildings and fortified structures.

Thermobaric ammunition is characterized by high power and efficiency due to the use of oxygen from the environment, which enhances the blast wave and increases the damaging effect. Due to the compact size of kamikaze drones, they can penetrate into hard-to-reach places and deliver precision strikes at minimal cost.

According to reports, such a drone is capable of completely destroying an apartment building, which indicates a serious increase in the firing capabilities of Russian forces in this area. The use of such technologies is changing the nature of combat operations, increasing the mobility and effectiveness of strikes.

1 U.S. Infantry Division Implements Black Hornet 3 Nanodron to Increase Situational Awareness

The 1st Infantry Division of the US Army has unveiled the latest addition to its arsenal, the Black Hornet 3 from Teledyne FLIR. This combat-proven nano-drone weighing just 33 grams is designed to provide real-time surveillance while remaining virtually invisible to the enemy.

Black Hornet 3 provides infantry with instant and continuous situational awareness both day and night, in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Due to its low noise level and compact design, the drone is capable of performing covert reconnaissance, which provides a significant advantage in close combat and urban operations.

The nanodron is equipped with highly sensitive cameras, including a thermal imager, and transmits live video and photos to the control panel, expanding the visual coverage of units on the battlefield. The new version of the Black Hornet can operate in the absence of GPS, fly faster and further, and has a modular design that allows you to quickly change batteries and sensors.

The use of the Black Hornet 3 in 1st Infantry Division training and operations demonstrates the U.S. Army's commitment to integrate advanced technology to enhance combat effectiveness and soldier safety. This drone has already proven its reliability in various conflicts and is used in more than 30 countries.

Thus, the Black Hornet 3 becomes an important tool for the modern soldier, providing critical information and increasing the chances of success in difficult combat conditions.

Black Hornet 3

Turkey is increasing production of the Barkan unmanned ground vehicle: efficiency in combat conditions has brought UGV into mass production

 

Barkan

After successfully passing field tests and proven effectiveness in real-world operational conditions, the Turkish unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) Barkan, developed by HAVELSAN, officially goes into serial production. This strategic decision was made by the Turkish Defense Industry Directorate (SSB) in order to strengthen the technological base and combat power of the Turkish armed forces.

Barkan was put into service in 2023, and over the past period has proven to be a reliable and adaptive platform capable of performing a wide range of tasks — from reconnaissance and surveillance to logistical support and fire cover. During operations, he has repeatedly demonstrated a high degree of autonomy, resistance to electronic warfare, and the ability to integrate with existing command systems.

During its refinement, special attention was paid to feedback from direct users and analysis results from the real battlefield. This allowed HAVELSAN to implement important updates that increased the functionality, survivability and interaction of the device with other elements of the tactical network.

The serial production of Barkan opens up new opportunities for the modernization of the Turkish army, making it one of the first countries in the region to actively introduce robotic systems into daily combat practice. It is expected that deliveries of new units of equipment will begin in the coming months, which will significantly increase the level of automation and safety when performing risky missions.

This step also demonstrates Turkey's desire for technological independence and the development of its own defense industry capable of competing in the international market.

Capture and destruction of the American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles: the situation for April 2025

Bradley stuck in the Ukrainian mud

According to open intelligence sources, as of April 2025, Russian forces had captured about eight American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, it is reported that about 72 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles were destroyed during the conflict. These data indicate significant losses on the American side in the field of armored vehicles.

The Bradley infantry fighting vehicles captured by Russian troops can be used for various purposes, including technology research, training, and even participation in combat operations. The destruction of 72 infantry fighting vehicles indicates the intensity of the fighting and the effectiveness of Russian military operations in this conflict.

The loss of the American Bradley infantry fighting vehicles may have several consequences for military operations. First, it reduces the combat power of American units on the battlefield. Secondly, captured and destroyed infantry fighting vehicles can be used to analyze and improve their own technologies and tactics. Thirdly, it can affect the morale of American military personnel and their allies.

The reasons for the losses of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle may be related to a number of factors, including the effectiveness of Russian anti-tank weapons, tactical errors by American units, and combat conditions. Russian troops have advanced anti-tank defense systems, which may explain the high losses of American armored vehicles.

Oshkosh Defense unveils advanced ROGUE-Fires missile system

 Oshkosh Defense has unveiled an improved version of its ROGUE-Fires vehicle-mounted missile system, which is now equipped with the same family of ammunition as the Highly mobile Artillery Missile System (HIMARS).

ROGUE-Fires (Remotely operated ground-based expeditionary fire device) — It is a reconfigurable unmanned system designed to provide long-range and highly effective fire support in modern combat operations.

Capable of launching multiple missiles quickly and efficiently, it provides unparalleled versatility for dynamic combat situations.

 ROGUE-Fires 

Chinese military suggests using thermobaric weapons for unmanned robots: Guaranteed destruction

The recent exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) in conducting combat operations in urban areas have demonstrated an important tactical gap: unmanned platforms armed exclusively with light small arms face serious difficulties in destroying opponents who are located in fortified buildings or underground bunkers. In response to this problem, Chinese military experts proposed a radical solution — equipping ground-based robots with thermobaric warheads, which would ensure the "comprehensive destruction" of the enemy.

During the exercises, it was found that the use of unmanned robots and drones to perform tasks in urban areas has a number of limitations. Light small arms, which are usually equipped with such systems, are effective against undisguised targets, but are practically useless against opponents hiding behind walls, in basements or bunkers. This is especially true in modern megacities, where dense buildings and multi-storey buildings create a complex three-dimensional environment for conducting military operations.

The tactics of using unmanned systems in such conditions require more powerful weapons capable of hitting hidden targets. This is where the need for more disruptive technologies arises.

Thermobaric warheads are a type of explosives that work in two stages: the initial explosion creates high temperature and pressure, and the subsequent stage spreads a combustible mixture that detonates inside a room or structure. This type of weapon is effective against targets located in enclosed spaces, as it not only destroys structures, but also causes a catastrophic drop in oxygen, which leads to mass deaths inside.

According to Chinese military scientists, equipping ground-based robots with thermobaric warheads will solve the problem of hiding the enemy in buildings and underground structures. Due to its ability to produce large-scale destruction and impact on the interior, thermobaric weapons can be an ideal tool for achieving "guaranteed destruction."

However, the proposal to introduce thermobaric weapons raises many ethical and legal issues. Thermobaric warheads, although not formally considered weapons of mass destruction, have destructive power comparable to some low-power nuclear charges. Their use can lead to significant human casualties among the civilian population, especially in densely populated cities.

The international community has long been concerned about the use of this type of weapon. Many countries consider thermobaric warheads to be excessively violent and indiscriminate. Including them in the arsenal of unmanned robots could trigger a new arms race, where other states will begin to develop similar technologies for their military vehicles.

If the Chinese military actually proceeds to implement this proposal, it could be a turning point in the development of unmanned technologies. Equipping robots with thermobaric warheads will increase their autonomy and effectiveness in urban warfare, but at the same time increase the risk of unintentional harm to civil infrastructure.

On the other hand, this development may stimulate the creation of new protective technologies, such as systems for countering unmanned robots or means of protecting civilians from thermobaric attacks.

The proposal by Chinese military scientists to use thermobaric warheads for ground-based robots demonstrates the desire for maximum efficiency in modern warfare. However, this step also raises important questions about arms control and compliance with international law. If such weapons are introduced, they can change the rules of the game in the field of robotic combat systems, but at the same time create new risks for global security.

The future use of such technologies will depend on whether the international community can find a balance between the need to protect national interests and avoid humanitarian disasters.

US Navy Faces Challenges in Red Sea Combat Operations: The Need for Portable Reloading at Sea

The US Navy, long renowned for its global reach and combat readiness, is facing a significant logistical challenge in the Red Sea. Recent reports indicate that US Navy warships are compelled to leave the combat zone for several weeks to recharge their missiles. This necessity arises from the Navy's current inability to sustain high-intensity combat operations due to limited resources. The implications of this reality, particularly in the context of a potential conflict with China, are driving the development of innovative solutions such as portable reloading at sea.

 The Logistical Dilemma

The Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor, has become a focal point for naval operations. However, the US Navy's current logistical framework requires warships to retreat from the combat zone to replenish their missile arsenals. This withdrawal not only disrupts continuous combat readiness but also exposes vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. The need to leave the combat zone for weeks at a time underscores a pressing need for more efficient and flexible reloading capabilities.

Implications for a War with China

The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with China emerging as a formidable naval power. Any potential conflict with China would demand sustained, high-intensity combat operations. The current logistical limitations of the US Navy could prove detrimental in such a scenario. The ability to reload missiles quickly and efficiently without leaving the combat zone is crucial for maintaining a strategic advantage.

Developing Portable Reloading at Sea

In response to these challenges, the US Navy is exploring the development of portable reloading methods at sea. This innovative approach aims to enable warships to reload their missiles while remaining in the combat zone. Portable reloading would involve the use of specialized equipment and procedures that can be deployed onboard, ensuring that warships can maintain their combat readiness without the need for lengthy retreats.

Benefits of Portable Reloading

1. Enhanced Combat Readiness: By allowing warships to reload missiles without leaving the combat zone, portable reloading enhances overall combat readiness and responsiveness.

2. Reduced Vulnerability: Warships that can reload at sea are less vulnerable to attacks during the reloading process, as they do not need to retreat to safer waters.

3. Operational Flexibility: Portable reloading provides greater operational flexibility, allowing commanders to adapt to changing battlefield conditions more effectively.

4. Cost Efficiency: Reducing the need for lengthy retreats can lead to cost savings, as warships can remain in the combat zone for longer periods without the need for frequent resupply missions.

The US Navy's current logistical challenges in the Red Sea highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions. The development of portable reloading at sea is a critical step towards enhancing combat readiness and operational flexibility. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, such advancements will be essential for maintaining the US Navy's strategic advantage in potential conflicts with major powers like China. The successful implementation of portable reloading methods will not only address current limitations but also pave the way for a more resilient and adaptable naval force.