Manufacturers of counter-drone gear gathered from July 31 to Aug. 8 in Fort Drum, New York, for “Operation Hard Kill,” showcasing small arms to directed-energy weapons for U.S. soldiers with experience against drones in Iraq. The 10th Mountain Division deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve has seen drone attacks, with some troops becoming anti-drone aces, but drones still occasionally get through, as seen in a January drone attack in Jordan.
The event in Fort Drum drew troops fresh from deployment and those preparing to deploy, providing valuable feedback for DEVCOM’s fielding of counter-drone weapons. Running counter-drone live fires in upstate New York presented challenges, including safely firing counter-drone weapons and managing the electro-magnetic spectrum and airspace. Lessons learned from live fire tests aim to help the 10th Mountain practice counter-drone warfare effectively at home station.
Counter-drone ranges set up by the 10th Mountain could serve as models for other units across the army, helping every soldier to train in counter-drone defense. The event did not include first-person-view (FPVs) drones, which are not typically a threat to 10th Mountain troops due to fortified bases. Soldiers without air-defense backgrounds often lead counter-drone defense efforts, making split-second decisions to engage or hold fire when identifying drones. Lessons from engagements are constantly reviewed to improve counter-drone tactics.
