Explosive payloads used on commercially available drones have been a major shift in warfare learnt during the Ukraine War. Systems have been used to great effect in targeting armoured vehicles via open hatches, lightly-armoured logistics vehicles and against individual troops entrenched in defensive positions.

The US Army proposal recommends submitted systems should employ lethal ammunition or explosives currently available in the US inventory and be fitted to short-range reconnaissance platforms.

They should also be attachable by soldiers in the field, increase lethal range beyond an M67 fragmentation grenade, operate on platform controller or simple system, pass safety testing, be made safe, and dismountable if not detonated.

Lethal payloads should also advance the US Army’s modernisation priorities and increase the lethality of its Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.