Rise in Training for VR-based Kamikaze Drones

FPV drone user - representational Image

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The British Army is actively seeking soldiers with the potential to join its new drone academy and train as kamikaze drone operators. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the 16 Air Assault Brigade to enhance their capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Recently, the brigade conducted a screening session to identify skilled drone pilots who could be selected for advanced training at the jHub Drone Academy.

The jHub Drone Academy is designed to provide comprehensive training through cutting-edge technology and modern methodologies. During the screening, participants engaged in first-person view (FPV) drone operations using a 13-centimeter UAV equipped with virtual reality (VR) goggles, while a laptop was used to simulate obstacles and various scenarios to assist in the evaluation process, according to The Defense Post.

Kamikaze drones, including FPV models, are equipped with small explosive charges designed to attack enemy positions and destroy armored vehicles from within. In the UK, soldiers are required to complete a three-week course to become certified FPV drone pilots. Unlike conventional UAVs, FPV drones lack GPS and stabilization software, making them more difficult to control and harder to master. However, despite being more challenging to operate, they offer simplicity, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other unmanned systems.

FPV drones enable infantry units to strike targets directly, reducing the need to call in mortars, artillery, or air strikes. This capability reduces the time and steps needed to identify, engage, and eliminate a target, providing commanders with more tactical options and enhancing resource efficiency.

The expansion of kamikaze drone training reflects the British Army’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies and improving operational effectiveness. By developing expertise in this new type of tool, the army aims to enhance its strategic capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in modern combat scenarios.