Australian Army Trials FPV Strike Drones Ahead of 2027 Integration

Australian Army Trials FPV Strike Drones Ahead of 2027 Integration

Image: A soldier from 5/7RAR prepares a drone during RAS training on Exercise Black Prince at Cultana Training Area, SA. Photo: Pte Jonnathan Kabamba.

5/7RAR is preparing to field Army’s first fully integrated combat team equipped with first-person-view (FPV) strike drones by Talisman Sabre 2027.

Building a RAS-Ready Battle Group

Alpha Company has spent 2026 training soldiers in robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), trialling equipment and developing procedures for light infantry. The unit is also testing reconnaissance drones and unmanned ground vehicles.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Ash Zimmerlie said RAS would not replace soldiers but would enhance their existing roles. “We will simply be more agile and lethal,” he commented.

Next year, Alpha Company’s specialists will integrate into other rifle companies, creating Army’s first RAS-ready battle group. Command plans to extend those skills across 1st Brigade and beyond.

Learning From Ukraine

Drones dominate Ukraine’s frontline kill zone, reportedly causing 75 to 85 per cent of casualties, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Officer Commanding Alpha Company Major Nic Alexandrou described the effectiveness of drones in current conflicts as shocking.

During Exercise Black Prince, 5/7RAR worked alongside Army’s experimentation unit, 1st Armoured Regiment, demonstrating FPV strikes at ranges beyond typical off-the-shelf drone capability.

Private Jack Pilgrim, an FPV operator, said strike teams could deliver precision effects from a safe distance. “We can sit ages away and drop multiple FPVs on targets in minutes, and they’ll have no idea where they came from,” he added.

Concealment Challenges Ahead

Major Alexandrou said drone-mounted thermal sensors are making concealment harder, requiring soldiers to consider observation from the air as well as the ground. “The same fundamentals of concealment still apply,” he added.

Separately, 7th Brigade is developing counter-RAS technologies, with both capabilities set to be shared across Army once established.

Learn more on the Australian Army’s website

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