British Army Launches "Top Gun" Academy for Kamikaze Drone Pilots
This program trains on FPV drones for munitions delivery, a tactic already used effectively by Ukrainian forces.
British soldiers are being trained as kamikaze drone pilots at Strategic Command’s new jHub Drone Academy.
This program focuses on First Person View (FPV) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to deliver munitions to targets, a tactic already effectively used by Ukrainian forces against Russian vehicles.
The training, conducted by 16 Air Assault Brigade at Merville Barracks in Colchester, identifies skilled UAS pilots from existing troops to develop their expertise.
Lance Corporal Morgan McConnell from 3 Para, who trained with reconnaissance drones in Estonia, said: "The Parrot drone is user-friendly with autopilot, but FPV requires more skill and practice for instinctive flying. I'm excited about the challenge and working with evolving technology, especially as we integrate munitions."
Soldiers undergo a three-week course to become FPV pilots and use drones like the Parrot and Black Hornet for reconnaissance.
jHub aims to boost the Armed Forces' capabilities through innovative technology, collaborating with the Combat Manoeuvre Centre to deliver FPV training across all services.
Additionally, the British Army is using the SmartShooter SMASH system to counter UAV threats.
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