The UK Ministry of Defence has contracted Viking Arms to rapidly deliver a fleet of 180 low-cost, first-person view (FPV) drones to support British Army training.
Valued at 256,000 pounds ($336,805), the expedited procurement will be completed over 19 days and will include 60 units each of 5-inch (12-centimeter), 8-inch (20-centimeter), and 10-inch (25-centimeter) drone models.
The deal also covers essential accessories such as antennas, controllers, and goggles to ensure ease of use.
Upon delivery, the drones will be used to train a new cadre of drone pilots, enhancing their skills for modern warfare.
To provide realistic combat training, the unmanned platforms will be equipped with powerful payloads simulating anti-tank, anti-personnel, and anti-structure munitions.
On-site familiarization training will be provided to British Army instructors, who are already experienced with military drone systems, to guide UK drone operators.
“This rapid procurement demonstrates the UK’s commitment to staying at the forefront of military technology,” a spokesperson noted. “By investing in FPV drone training, we are equipping our forces with agile, low-cost precision strike capabilities that will provide a decisive tactical advantage on the battlefield, day or night.”
Aligning With ‘Any/Any Network’ Initiative
The procurement aligns with the UK’s Any/Any Network campaign, which aims to ensure seamless communication between any devices, regardless of platform, location, or technology.
The initiative also envisions a digitally integrated battlefield, and establishing an FPV drone training fleet helps develop the skills needed to operate interconnected systems for future network-based missions.
Additionally, the procurement is part of an urgent push to strengthen British Army capabilities, inspired by modern tactics observed in Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have extensively used FPV drones in the ongoing war, employing them for surveillance, targeting, and precision strikes on the battlefield.
