Image: Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kylee DiSanto via U.S. DoW
Marines from the 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, completed the Marine Corps’ first live-fire series of first-person view attack drone flights in South Korea, marking a milestone in the force’s modernisation drive, as per a recent press statement.
The series comprised two events. The 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion ran the inaugural range on 30 July, and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment carried out a second iteration days later. Both units are forward-deployed to the Pacific under the unit deployment programme.
Marines used the Neros Archer drone to strike armoured and personnel targets with precision. The system’s roughly 20-kilometre range extends small units’ reach well beyond standard infantry weapons, letting Marines hit targets from safer positions.
1st Lt. Evan Brace, executive officer of the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, commented: “Training with these FPV drone systems with deployed Marines, on a live-fire range and in a unique environment allows us to get one step further toward integrating it into real-world operations.” He added the training reveals what still needs refining before combat use.
Brace said the drones give fireteams organic, precise fires to shape their own battlespace.
Running live-fire drone training on the Korean Peninsula demanded careful coordination. The 4th Marine Regiment worked with the 2nd Infantry Division, 8th Army, and the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, alongside South Korean authorities, to build the required safety and airspace frameworks. Marines completed dry-fire rehearsals and procedural checks before every live-fire run.
Sgt. Maj. Ismael Bamba, senior enlisted leader for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, commented: “By mastering this technology, we are not just upgrading our tactics, we are building a faster, smarter and deadlier team capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with our South Korean allies.”
The training sets the stage for expanded joint and allied FPV attack drone exercises across the region.
Learn more on the U.S. DoW website
