The Australian Army is strengthening its training pipeline to support the wider adoption of first-person view (FPV) attack drones across the force. Soldiers from a range of combat and combat support units are undergoing specialized instruction in building, modifying, and piloting these drones through the “Modify and Operate Attack Drones (FPV)” course.
This program follows the earlier “Employ Multi-Role Drones” course, which emphasized reconnaissance operations using stabilized drone platforms while introducing capabilities for payload carriage and munition deployment. Held at the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria, the training is designed to provide personnel with hands-on drone skills that can be implemented within their units and validated in combined-arms scenarios.
The initiative reflects insights from the Ukraine conflict, where both Ukrainian and Russian forces have extensively utilized FPV drones as affordable and versatile combat assets. These drones are deployed for surveillance, tactical engagements, and one-way strike missions. Ukraine has also introduced advanced FPV variants capable of carrying larger warheads and incorporating dual-link control systems to maintain operational connectivity. Additionally, its training programs now place greater emphasis on countering FPV threats.
Globally, militaries are taking note. Both the US Marine Corps and the British Army have expanded their drone training efforts and force development strategies, drawing directly from battlefield lessons observed in the conflict.
