US Army Trains with Drone Bombers: Lessons from Ukraine & C100 Reconnaissance Drone

Fort Johnson, Louisiana – U.S. Army units are increasingly integrating low-cost drone technology into training exercises, mirroring tactical shifts observed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, recently conducted drone bomber training using a C100 Medium Range Reconnaissance unmanned aerial system during a Table VI exercise as part of Spartan Focus, the division February 2, 2026.

The training, conducted at Fort Stewart, involved unmanned aircraft system operators from the Multi-Function Reconnaissance Troop, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment. The unit configured the C100 drone to simulate bomber missions, utilizing 3D-printed training rounds to practice tactics and coordination for employing the system as infantry fire support. The exercise focused on integrating drone-delivered munitions into ground maneuver operations, with operators rehearsing coordination with supported infantry elements, target identification, and release procedures in scenarios designed to replicate modern battlefield conditions.

According to the 3rd Infantry Division, the use of drone technology allows commanders to observe enemy positions without directly endangering soldiers, while retaining the flexibility to choose the most appropriate course of action based on real-time aerial reconnaissance. This approach reflects a broader overhaul of U.S. Army combat doctrine, prompted by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a dominant weapon on the battlefield.

The C100 drone used in the exercise is designed for extended-range surveillance and can be adapted to carry small payloads. The Army is rapidly expanding its use of unmanned systems, creating specialized multifunctional reconnaissance companies that integrate drones, electronic warfare systems, and traditional reconnaissance capabilities. This shift comes after a directive issued in July 2025 by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, ordering that every Army squad be equipped with unmanned systems by the end of 2026.

The emphasis on drone integration is a direct response to the realities of modern warfare, as demonstrated in Ukraine. The widespread use of surveillance drones by both sides has effectively eliminated traditional cover and concealment on the battlefield, forcing a reconsideration of decades-old infantry and armor tactics. According to the Modern War Institute at West Point, drones account for approximately 70 percent of Russian casualties in Ukraine. Both sides consistently employ drones for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and direct attacks.

The Ukrainian experience has highlighted the effectiveness of inexpensive drones, prompting the Army to rethink procurement systems and unit structures. Ed Arnold, a European security expert at the Royal United Services Institute, noted that “There’s nowhere to hide on the modern battlefield,” adding that using drones to identify targets, particularly for artillery strikes, is a crucial lesson from the conflict.

The Army’s recent training exercises also reflect a broader concept known as “Transforming in Contact,” which emphasizes adaptability and the use of unconventional tactics. During a recent area defense operation at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, an Army unit successfully deployed approximately 50 decoys – commercial raspberry pi’s with SSID cards – to divert enemy artillery fire. The decoys, loaded with electronic signatures mimicking key command elements, drew approximately 50 percent of the enemy’s artillery fire, exposing their positions and depleting their munitions.

This successful deployment of low-cost, “jerry-rigged” technology surprised senior commanders, demonstrating the potential for tactical advantages even with limited resources. Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, acknowledged that he had underestimated the effectiveness of the decoys, stating that they created “real dilemmas” for the opposing force.

The increasing reliance on drones extends to various capabilities, including reconnaissance, artillery fire correction, and light bombing, utilizing platforms like the Performance Drone Works C100. The war in Ukraine saw the extensive use of quadcopter-style bomber drones in 2025, with VAMPIRE-class systems conducting over 2.5 million combat missions. This demonstrated the potential of inexpensive, rapidly replaceable drones to deliver persistent battlefield effects without exposing infantry to direct fire.

The U.S. Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, completed the first heavy force training event guided by the Transforming in Contact framework in November 2025 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. The division stated that the brigade used advanced aerial drones, electronic warfare systems, and restructured formations to accelerate maneuver and increase lethality against a near-peer enemy force.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George testified before Congress in June 2025 that technology is evolving too rapidly to rely on large-scale programs that take years to develop, potentially becoming obsolete before they are deployed. This sentiment underscores the Army’s commitment to rapidly integrating new technologies, such as drones, into its operational framework.