British Army Deploys 3D Printed FPV Drones in Kenya Exercise
During Exercise Bull Storm in Kenya, the British Army manufactured and deployed FPV attack drones using portable 3D printers, marking a potential first for the service. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, The Rifles produced five drones in a makeshift workshop, each taking around 3.5 hours to print and another hour to assemble.
The drones flew at 190mph and had a range of 15 miles, replacing traditional artillery fire. Funding was secured from the Innovation Fund, and collaboration with the Edinburgh Drone Company helped source hardware. The British Army is also increasing its UAV pilot qualifications, with nearly 70 qualified pilots in the Irish Guards after Operation Interflex.
