The **U.S. Army displays FPV drone production in Germany**, showcasing rapid and cost-effective assembly at Balli Army Airfield. Soldiers built dozens of quad-copter drones designed for reconnaissance, one-way strike missions, and tactical support. This effort is part of the Army’s **Transformation in Contact (TiC)** initiative, integrating **Purpose Built Attritable Systems (PBAS)** into combat units. The PBAS program delivers scalable drone capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, enabling fast deployment in operational environments.
U.S. Army Displays FPV Drone Production in Germany
The U.S. Army displays FPV drone production in Germany, showcasing rapid and cost-effective assembly at Balli Army Airfield. Soldiers built dozens of quad-copter drones designed for reconnaissance, one-way strike missions, and tactical support. This effort is part of the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) initiative, integrating Purpose Built Attritable Systems (PBAS) into combat units. The PBAS program delivers scalable drone capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, enabling fast deployment in operational environments.
Project Shiv – Live-Fire FPV Drone Testing
In February 2025, U.S. Army FPV drones took center stage during “Project Shiv,” the first live-fire exercise with armed drones at Grafenwoehr Training Area. These FPV drones, equipped with 3D-printed munition casings, performed precision strike missions. Each PBAS kit—priced at about \$35,000—includes FPV goggles, a controller, a display, two 10-inch drones, and four 5-inch drones (valued around \$5,000 each). The modular design of FPV drones allows rapid assembly, field repairs, and adaptability in changing combat conditions, making them a key component of the Army’s modernization efforts.
Challenges and Future of U.S. Army FPV Drones
While the U.S. Army displays FPV drone production in Germany as a success, tests revealed challenges such as GPS signal loss, video disruptions, hardware damage, and environmental interference. These issues have guided improvements in training and drone resilience. Over the next five years, the Army plans to equip each division with up to 1,000 drones and counter-drone systems, backed by nearly \$36 billion in investment. By advancing FPV drone production and combat integration, the U.S. Army is shaping the future of unmanned warfare with speed, adaptability, and cost efficiency at its core.
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