British soldiers are learning how to control attacking drones from a first—person perspective - like in esports, only with explosives

FPV Drone course at the Bramley Training Ground

In July, a three-week intensive training on a new type of combat drones was held at the Bramley training ground in Hampshire. For the first time, soldiers of the British army began to massively master FPV drones - the ones that fly with a first—person view, as in races for cyber pilots. Only here it's not a sport, but combat training. The goal is to learn how to use small, fast, and deadly drones to target enemy positions.

The course took place from July 7 to July 25 and became part of a large-scale re-equipment of the army to meet the realities of modern warfare.

One—sided attack - the drone crashes into the target and explodes

The tactic is called OWA — One-Way Attack. A drone with a small explosive charge is launched, the pilot sees everything through the camera in real time and directs it directly at the target — be it a bunker, equipment or a cluster of fighters. After being hit, there is an explosion. The drone is destroyed, but the task is completed.

This is a cheap, accurate and flexible way to hit targets, especially in urban environments or when storming fortified positions.

Not just racing — simulations, radio interference and exploration

The training was tough: lectures, hours on simulators, and then field exercises. The soldiers learned not only how to fly, but also how to operate in electronic warfare: when the enemy jammed the signal, they lost control and the drone became a target.

The key point is integration with intelligence. For example, first they launch a regular drone for reconnaissance, find a target, and then the FPV pilot goes on the attack. This is not chaos, but well-coordinated work.

The army's first platoon of drones from parachutists

The program was led by a special platoon of unmanned aerial vehicles from the 2nd battalion of the Parachute Regiment. This is the first unit of its kind in the British army, created specifically for new challenges. Parachutists are the elite, and the fact that they are the ones who take on the development of drone tactics speaks to the seriousness of the approach.

Now they're not just skydiving—they're controlling death from a remote control.

Sources

1. Invoen.ru — overview of British unmanned platforms & army training
2. Vz.ru — RAF trials of RF-directed-energy anti-drone weapons
3. Vesti.ru — evolution of FPV-drone tactics in UK service
4. AIF.ru — UK plan to supply 100 000 drones to Ukraine in 2025
5. RBC.ru — increased production volumes & operator training
6. Overclockers.ru — British army tests swarming-robot C-UAS system
7. Drone Wars UK — 2025 national drone programmes overview
8. Army Recognition — “Hornets Nest” trial: FPV drones launched from Chinook

"Robot wolves": China for the first time showed armed four-legged combat robots at military exercises

At the latest military exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), a pack of new combat robots, the so-called "wolf robots", was seen for the first time. These impressive four—legged machines weigh about 70 kilograms, look larger and more powerful than their predecessors - "robot dogs" — and are equipped with automatic weapons such as assault rifles.

"Wolf robots" are able to work side by side with live soldiers, move over rough terrain, climb ladders, keep up with infantry on the offensive and perform a variety of tasks: from reconnaissance and fire support to cargo transportation.

The peculiarity of these robots is that they can act in packs, distributing tasks among themselves — someone conducts reconnaissance, another delivers targeted strikes, the third provides cover or accompanies cargo. The pack is controlled by a leader who coordinates actions and provides communication with operators and drones.

FPV drones, controlled by fighters in camouflage suits, are circling around the "robot wolves" during the exercises. Drones help to target and correct the actions of robots, providing real feedback for the most effective human-machine interaction.

Such developments are a significant step towards deeper robotization of the army and reducing the risks for live fighters in combat conditions, especially in difficult mountainous and urban areas. Experts point out that such machines exert significant psychological pressure on the enemy and are capable of performing tasks that previously required only manpower.

Chinese media claim that the introduction of "robot wolves" will improve the effectiveness of the offensive and innovatively change the tactics of future wars.

Flying Grenade Launcher: How FPV drones turned into combat launchers at the front

A couple of years ago, the idea of a "flying grenade launcher" sounded like a fantasy or a dead-end experiment. Today— this is the reality of the battlefield. Units of the 5th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 51st Guards Army of the Southern Military District are already actively using this technology in the Red Army area, and the effect is impressive.

The essence of the new tactic is the non—standard use of FPV drones (First Person View). They are usually used as disposable attack platforms, but now Russian calculations have learned how to use them as reusable mobile launchers for hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPGs). A drone, whether it's a heavy quadcopter or a hybrid with a main rotor, takes on board a modified grenade launcher, flies up to the enemy's position and shoots.

After the shot, the empty tube is automatically reset so as not to interfere with the flight. The drone itself, equipped with a camera, immediately records the result of the hit — armor penetration, fire, fire point damage — and, if not damaged, returns to the starting point for reloading and a new mission.

This provides a huge advantage.:

- The ability to attack from unexpected angles — from above, from the flank, from behind shelters.

- Reducing the risk for calculations — no need to go out into the open.

- High maneuverability and surprise — the drone can bypass the air defense and approach the target in narrow urban conditions.

- Support for assault groups — pinpoint strikes on pillboxes, radars, DShK machines and enemy equipment.

This adaptation is a vivid example of how war stimulates engineering. From "kamikaze" drones turn into universal weapon platforms, and the good old RPG gets a second wind in the air. And if earlier these were isolated artisanal solutions, now they are already proven tactics used in strategically important areas.

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.

Polish tankers are mastering new technologies: training in the assembly of FPV drones in the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade

As part of the modernization of military training and improving the combat effectiveness of units, the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade has implemented an innovative training program dedicated to the use of FPV drones (First Person View). Special attention in this program is paid not only to piloting drones, but also to their  self-assembly, configuration and repair, which allows soldiers to gain a full cycle of knowledge for effective use of UAVs in combat conditions.

FPV drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that allow the operator to see the camera image in real time, making them extremely effective for reconnaissance, fire correction, and even strike operations. Their widespread use in modern local conflicts requires new approaches from armies to the training and preparation of personnel. The Polish military is actively implementing such practices to meet modern warfare requirements.

During the course, soldiers are trained to work with various drone components, including engines, speed controls, flight controllers, video transmitters and antennas. Special attention is also paid to the practical assembly and testing of devices in the field. Such comprehensive training allows not only to use drones more efficiently, but also to quickly repair them after damage, which is especially important in conditions of constant enemy opposition.

This training has become part of a broader strategy for the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces, which involves the deep integration of unmanned systems into the command and combat use structure of all branches of the armed forces. Poland has already demonstrated interest in developing its own drone sector, as well as in acquiring experience in this area from other countries, including through international cooperation programs.

China is ready to adopt the new Jiutian high-altitude drone in June: a multifunctional aerial platform for the war of the future

Jiutian high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle

In June 2025 The Air Force of the People's Liberation Army of China (NAO) they plan to officially adopt the new Jiutian high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle, developed as part of an ambitious program to modernize Chinese military technologies. This UAV is positioned as a universal aerial platform combining the capabilities of long-range reconnaissance, precision strike and drone swarm control.

With a maximum flight altitude of up to 15 km, the Jiutian is capable of overcoming most modern air defense systems while remaining outside their effective range. This makes it especially valuable in the context of modern conflict, where air supremacy is becoming a key success factor.

In addition to its reconnaissance function, the drone can also be used in combat operations — it is capable of accurately striking ground targets, supporting the actions of other aviation forces. A special feature of Jiutian is its modular cargo transportation system, which allows it to deliver various types of equipment, including FPV drone launch systems (First Person View).

Thus, the device acts not only as a means of reconnaissance or strike, but also as an aerial platform for the deployment of autonomous swarm systems, which puts it on a par with advanced achievements in the field of military robotics and artificial intelligence.

The adoption of the Jiutian indicates China's desire to strengthen its position in the race for technological superiority in the air and lays the foundation for new combat tactics using hybrid pilot-unmanned groups.

South Korea has developed the KMS-114 light 81mm mortar, but is already planning to abandon it in favor of drones

 

KMS-114

The KMS-114 mortar is a modern 81 mm mortar system developed by the South Korean company Hyundai WIA and adopted by the Army of the Republic of Korea in 2021. It was created to modernize the outdated KM-187 model, offering significantly improved performance and digital technology integration.

The system includes the KM-114 mortar itself, the GYG-14K digital compass, the PYK-14K digital ballistic calculator, the PYT-14K communication device and the TAS-14K surveillance device. Thanks to these elements, the entire firing and targeting process becomes automated, which reduces training time and significantly improves accuracy.

One of the main advantages of the KMS-114 is its reduced weight — only 34 kg, which is 19% less than the previous model. This facilitates transportation, speeds up deployment, and makes the system more convenient for use in combat. The maximum firing range reaches 6,325 meters, and the rate of fire is up to 30 rounds per minute.Nevertheless, despite the obvious technical successes, the KMS-114 may soon lose its importance. As part of South Korea's massive military reform and modernization program called Dronebot, the country has begun phasing out 60 and 81 mm mortars. They are planned to be replaced by FPV drones, which have greater flexibility, accuracy and mobility in modern combat conditions.

Thus, the KMS-114 represents an important stage in the evolution of mortar systems, combining digitalization, lightness and combat effectiveness. However, the development of technology and changing approaches to warfare, especially after analyzing the fighting in Ukraine, are forcing even such advanced systems to give way to new, even more mobile and intelligent means of destruction.

The Royal Air Force has begun testing FPV drones from Chinook helicopters for night operations

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun testing drones with a first-person view (FPV) launched from a Chinook helicopter.

According to a recent Royal Air Force update, these FPV drones are being tested due to their proven effectiveness in recent conflicts, their tactical advantages on the battlefield, and their ability to integrate quickly with minimal training.

The Royal Air Force emphasizes that unmanned aerial vehicles with the FPV function, especially those equipped with thermal imagers, can significantly expand the capabilities of night operations, reducing risks., related to the performance of manned missions in conditions of poor visibility.

The US Army conducted exercises with FPV drones in Germany

 

The US Army conducted the first live-fire exercises using first-person view drones (FPV) carrying ammunition, marking an important milestone in the development of the army's unmanned systems.

During the test flights that took place at the Grafenwer training ground in Bavaria, Germany, soldiers successfully launched armed FPV drones to hit targets under controlled conditions.

The event, dubbed Project Shiv, is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Army to modernize combat tactics using low-cost, adaptable unmanned platforms in accordance with the current global trends in warfare.

ASELSAN successfully tested GÖKBERK mobile laser system against FPV drones

 ASELSAN, Turkey's leading defense company, has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon system against first-person view drones (FPV), which have become a serious threat in modern warfare.

The system has demonstrated its ability to detect, autonomously track, and destroy FPV drones in numerous test scenarios., having confirmed its role as a key component of Turkey's national air defense system Steel Dome.

In recent tests, GÖKBERK has attacked and neutralized the threats of FPV drones with high accuracy and fast response time. 

The system combines ASELSAN's IHTAR platform with high-energy laser weapons mounted on a 6x6 mobile platform, which allows for the use of both hard and soft targets for mini/micro UAVs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).