The U.S. Army is expected to conduct a military exercise this month in Poland to evaluate the operational potential of 3D-printed drones equipped with sensors designed to detect electromagnetic signals.
According to Task & Purpose, as part of the drill, soldiers from the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, stationed in Germany, will deploy up to two small drones built using additive manufacturing. These drones are not intended for traditional surveillance missions, but rather for scanning the electromagnetic spectrum to identify signals such as cell phones, WiFi routers, and radar systems.
Unlike commercial drones, these platforms are built specially for a specific purpose using 3D printing techniques, allowing rapid, low-cost customization for specific mission profiles. This flexible manufacturing method also enables quick iteration and adaptation based on field feedback.
Each drone integrates specialized sensors that map and analyze electromagnetic emissions. By detecting and geolocating signal sources, the drones can alert ground forces to nearby communications or radar devices that may not be physically visible, giving troops an edge in electronic situational awareness.
The purpose of the exercise is to assess how effectively these drones can identify simulated threats and provide battlefield commanders with data that enables faster and more precise decision-making in contested environments.
While the technology is still under development, the field trial in Poland will help determine whether the current designs meet operational standards and whether the battalion is ready to scale production for wider deployment.
This initiative demonstrates a shift toward highly adaptable, low-cost tools that extend soldiers’ sensory reach on the battlefield, pointing to the future of tactical reconnaissance in a signal-dense combat environment.
