US Army's 11th Airborne Division Expands Small Drone Testing in Alaska
The US Army's 11th Airborne Division is enhancing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in Arctic operations with new manufacturing and training facilities in Alaska. Large-scale testing will occur during the JPMRC 26-02 exercise near Fort Wainwright.
The initiative aims to adapt military technology to extreme environments, focusing on system performance in sub-freezing temperatures and low-light conditions. Preparations include a first-person view (FPV) training course for operators and collaboration with the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division.
The division is also implementing simulation-based training for operator readiness. This effort aligns with the US's broader initiative to expand drone capabilities, complemented by new drone test sites established by the Department of Transportation and FAA in Oklahoma and Indiana.
