JUNE 5, 2025 – The U.S. Army Drone Team, based out of Fort Novosel, competed in the United States National Drone Association’s Drone Race & Maneuver Interservice Military Competition this week in Washington D.C.
Held at the AI+Expo for National Competitiveness, the competition included teams from the Army, as well as the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and teams from other government agencies as well as universities and high schools.
The competition is composed of two types of matches. The first type of match is the Drone Race and Maneuver match which puts the drone operator’s skills to the test in a high-speed flight around the 40x100x25’ drone arena. This type of competition is considered by the USNDA to be the point where eSports and STEM fields meet, combining the skill and technical know-how of the drone operations, with the high-speed excitement of an aerial race.
The second type of match to take place is the Drone Crucible Match. In this match type, military service teams use emerging drone technology to test and enhance tactics techniques and procedures that could be needed in future conflicts.
According to Col. Nick Ryan, Army Capability Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Systems the Army Team represents a group of elite Army drone operators and will be taking part in other drone competitions like this as part of a push to help develop the force and showcase drone’s capabilities and how that translates to victories on the battlefield.
“The Army Drone Team is geared towards leveraging the Army’s top unmanned aerial system (UAS) operators from various military operational specialties (MOS) to secure victories, innovate, and disseminate cutting edge tactics throughout the Department of Defense.” Ryan said. “This mission includes excelling in competitions, fostering development, and collaborating closely with industry partners for mutual advancement.”
The use of small unmanned systems has been in development by the U.S. Army for many years now, but current events and activities around the world are clearly demonstrating the tactical role such systems will play in modern conflicts. The Army’s competitive drone team’s participation in public events and competitions demonstrates the Army’s commitment to advancing the technology and bringing it to bear on future battlefields.
Story by John Hamilton
Fort Novosel Public Affairs Office