US Soldiers of 1st Armored Division Enhance Counter-Drone Skills Amid Rising Threats in Modern Warfare.

As drone warfare continues to reshape modern battlefields, U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division have undergone intensive counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) training at Fort Bliss, Texas, on January 30, 2025. This course is essential given the increasing use of aerial and first-person view (FPV) drones in the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel. These drones pose new and significant threats to troops on the ground, not only to armored units but also to individual soldiers.
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U.S. soldier assigned to the 1st Armored receives hands-on training with counter UAS systems at Fort Bliss, Texas, on January 30, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The rapid evolution of drone warfare has demonstrated their ability to conduct reconnaissance, deliver precision strikes, and disrupt military operations, forcing modern militaries to adapt their strategies and enhance force protection measures. The growing effectiveness of drone swarms and loitering munitions also underscores the need for an increased presence of combat vehicles on the battlefield, offering greater protection against these evolving threats.

At Fort Bliss, expert instructors at the Home Training Station provided hands-on training to U.S. Soldiers, equipping them with the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering theater-specific UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) threats. The Soldiers received instruction on various counter-UAS systems, including compact, lightweight, handheld C-UAS radio frequency (RF) jammers, specifically designed to neutralize enemy drones. These systems are crucial for frontline units, as adversaries increasingly exploit commercial and military-grade drones for reconnaissance, targeting, and direct attacks. The training emphasized real-world scenarios, ensuring that Soldiers develop the skills needed to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats effectively.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the devastating impact of drones on modern warfare. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces extensively use small UAVs for surveillance and precision strikes, turning even inexpensive consumer-grade drones into lethal battlefield assets. FPV (First-Person View) drones, equipped with explosive payloads, have successfully targeted tanks, armored vehicles, and infantry positions, proving their effectiveness in offensive and defensive operations. Similarly, the ongoing conflict in Israel has highlighted the growing use of drones by terrorist groups and state-backed militias, who deploy them in swarm attacks to overwhelm air defenses. These developments underscore the urgency for counter-drone training and advanced counter-UAS technology to protect troops and maintain battlefield superiority.

The U.S. Army’s decision to prioritize counter-UAS training aligns with the Pentagon’s broader strategy to address emerging aerial threats. The integration of portable C-UAS systems, such as RF jammers, allows Soldiers to disrupt enemy drone communications and navigation, mitigating threats in real time. Additionally, the Army is developing a multi-layered counter-drone defense, incorporating electronic warfare (EW), kinetic interceptors, and artificial intelligence-driven detection systems. Fort Bliss serves as a key training hub where Soldiers can adapt to evolving drone threats through realistic, theater-specific exercises that simulate combat conditions.

As drones continue to dominate modern battlefields, counter-UAS training has become a critical necessity for military forces worldwide. The 1st Armored Division’s training at Fort Bliss highlights the U.S. Army’s commitment to staying ahead of adversaries by equipping Soldiers with the tools and expertise needed to counter drone threats effectively. With conflicts like Ukraine and Israel proving the devastating potential of drone warfare, investments in C-UAS technology and training will be pivotal in ensuring battlefield superiority, force protection, and mission success in future engagements