U.S. Army Tests Drone-Dropped Grenades in Breakthrough Training Exercise

On June 25, 2025, U.S. Army soldiers at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany successfully dropped live M67 grenades from a Skydio X10D drone, marking a significant advancement in integrating small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into battlefield tactics. The test, conducted by the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard, demonstrated the potential of drone-mounted munitions droppers to enhance combat precision and reach, drawing lessons from modern conflicts like Ukraine, reports Stars and Stripes.

Innovative Drone Technology in Action

The test utilized a 3D-printed munitions dropper called Audible, attached to the Skydio X10D, a compact, off-the-shelf drone known for its agility and advanced imaging. Soldiers, including 1st Lt. David Baker, prepared the device by securing a standard M67 fragmentation grenade, ensuring the pin was positioned for remote release. The drone then flew toward a simulated vehicle convoy, releasing the grenade, which struck near the lead vehicle’s passenger side, as observed by Maj.

Phillip Draper from a control tower. “It was a successful test,” Draper stated, emphasizing plans to refine the system for warfighters.

The Audible dropper, developed by the Combat Capabilities Development Command in Maryland, represents a low-cost, adaptable solution. However, a hard landing during testing cracked the initial plastic device, prompting soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade to deploy a 3D-printed substitute for further trials with inert rounds. This rapid response, with seven additional devices ordered within hours, underscores the Army’s commitment to iterative development.

Tactical Advantages and Operational Implications

The ability to deliver standard ordnance, like the 14-ounce (0.4 kg) M67 grenade, via drones extends soldiers’ reach beyond traditional front lines.

“This really expands the arsenal, being able to go out and reach targets beyond the front line of troops and putting that at the lowest level,” Baker said.

The Skydio X10D, with a range of approximately 9.3 miles (15 km) and flight time of up to 40 minutes, offers precision strikes against personnel, armor, or command posts, reducing risk to soldiers.

Lessons from Ukraine, where small drones have reshaped warfare, informed the Army’s updated doctrine in 2024, prioritizing mobility, speed, and technology.

Civilian David Oeschger, deputy of operations for the 7th Army Training Command, reportedly highlighted the system’s accessibility: “We’re dropping a regular ordnance that every soldier would carry in combat.”

He confirmed that drone-dropped grenades will become standard in Army training within months, signaling a shift toward routine UAS integration.

Industry Trends and Future Developments

The adoption of commercial drones like the Skydio X10D reflects a broader trend in military UAS, where affordability and adaptability drive innovation. The global military drone market, valued at $13.6 billion in 2024, is projected to grow as nations invest in small, tactical systems. The U.S. Army’s rapid prototyping, exemplified by 3D-printed droppers, aligns with this shift, enabling cost-effective customization. However, challenges like device durability, as seen in the Audible’s cracking, highlight the need for robust designs in combat conditions.

Further tests are planned to refine the Audible system, with potential applications beyond grenades, such as deploying sensors or supplies. Regulatory considerations, including airspace management and ethical concerns over autonomous weapons, may shape future deployments. For drone professionals and recreational pilots, this development underscores the growing crossover between commercial UAS technology and military applications, offering insights into durability, payload integration, and real-world performance.