Marines Launch New Attack Drone Team to Revolutionize Warfare

The U.S. military is intensifying its focus on drone warfare with the formation of the **Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT)**, which officially began operations in January 2023. This initiative was underscored by Defense Secretary **Pete Hegseth** during a recent announcement at the Pentagon, where he signed a memo aimed at expediting the procurement of cost-effective drones for military operations.

The MCADT, based at **Quantico, Virginia**, aims to develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for effectively deploying armed first-person viewer drones. They plan to release their first operational pamphlet this month, as part of a broader strategy to improve infantry integration of drone technology. Colonel **Scott Cuomo**, who leads the **Weapons Training Battalion**, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, “This is an area where we are not at where we need to be. We need to create an organization to be the expert on what’s going on on the modern battlefield, specifically in Ukraine.”

Discussions among military leadership regarding the increasing use of drones in conflict zones such as **Ukraine**, **Gaza**, and the **Red Sea** inspired the establishment of this specialized unit. The MCADT consists of 12 members dedicated to experimenting with drone technology, sharing best practices, and enhancing operational readiness across the Marine Corps.

Advancements in Drone Technology

Since its inception, the MCADT has made significant strides in drone capabilities. Initially equipped with radio frequency-capable drones in February, the team integrated fiber-optic drones by July. These newer drones are considered resistant to jamming technologies and boast a range of approximately 15 miles, compared to the few miles of their radio frequency counterparts. Additionally, these drones are considerably less expensive, with costs dropping from **$200,000** for traditional military drones to around **$2,000** for small, single-use models.

Utilizing command and control software known as **Sky Node**, which has been effectively employed by Ukrainian forces, the MCADT is developing drones that can autonomously identify and engage targets, similar to the functionality of the **Javelin** missile system. Colonel Cuomo indicated that the team is exploring various types of drones, including “dropper” drones, which function like self-propelled mortar tubes capable of carrying diverse munitions.

As combat scenarios evolve, so too will the tactics and technologies employed by the MCADT. “As we get these capabilities, we’ll work them into the manual,” Cuomo noted. “As you’re seeing in Ukraine, these things change back and forth.”

Competitive Training and Future Goals

The MCADT is set to showcase its skills at the inaugural **U.S. Military Drone Crucible Championship** in Florida, organized by the **U.S. National Drone Association**. Following this event, the team plans to conduct local competitions for first-person viewer and small unmanned aerial system operators at various locations, including **Okinawa**, **Marine Corps Base Hawaii**, **Camp Pendleton**, and **Camp Lejeune**. Top operators from these competitions will gather in Quantico in April 2024 for a championship, with the best performers receiving invitations to join the MCADT in future competitions.

Colonel Cuomo explained that the goal is to send representatives from each squad and section who will become experts in drone operations. “Who am I sending to these competitions? I’m sending the individuals in each of my squads and sections that are going to be the experts, and they’re going to compete to see who’s the best,” he said.

The push for enhanced drone procurement, as championed by Secretary Hegseth, represents a significant opportunity for the MCADT. As the Defense Department transitions to acquiring less expensive drones, these capabilities are expected to permeate infantry units and specialized battalions. “You’re going to see these capabilities down into our infantry squads,” Cuomo stated, “and you will very likely see them inside the scout platoon as well.”

The establishment of the MCADT marks a pivotal moment in military strategy, as the U.S. military adapts to the evolving landscape of warfare, particularly in light of current global conflicts.