U.S. Army trains with drones as new tech transforms battlefields overseas

Drone Warfare Advancements - Small drones are transforming combat due to their low cost (around $200) compared to million-dollar planes, enabling constant surveillance [1] - The speed of drones (up to 80 mph) and their ability to collect information rapidly make them a significant threat on the battlefield [3] - Drones eliminate the element of surprise for soldiers, requiring them to assume they are always under observation, especially with thermal cameras [4] Countermeasures and Technological Responses - The US Army is testing vehicle-mounted radars to detect and target drones [4] - The "Pitbull" system allows individual soldiers to jam drone signals, disrupting their connection to the operator [5] - Some drones use fiber optic cables (up to 20 miles long) to avoid radio jamming, making them harder to detect [7] Drone Production and Capabilities - US soldiers are using 3D printers to produce drones costing as little as $250, with the capability to produce 50 drones per day [7] - These drones are built for various missions, including surveillance, one-way attacks, and delivering supplies [8] Broader Implications and Threats - The threat of drone swarms extends beyond the battlefield to potential attacks on government buildings, landmarks, and civilians in the US [9] - The US Army is partnering with civilian companies to develop solutions for protecting both troops and domestic targets [10] - The ease of 3D printing drones means adversaries can easily create drone swarms for attacks on US infrastructure [11]