Army’s New ‘BLADE’ System Zaps Drones in Live-Fire Test

In the skies over a training ground in Poland, the US Army just gave us a glimpse into the future of ground combat, and it involves turning armored vehicles into sophisticated drone hunters. During a recent exercise dubbed Project Flytrap 4.0, soldiers used a new system called BLADE to detect, track, and shoot down multiple drones in a live-fire test. Mounted on a Stryker armored vehicle, the system proved it could provide a rapid, lethal, and mobile defense against the growing threat of small unmanned aircraft. It’s a major step forward in protecting troops on the modern battlefield.

The Drone Slayer on Wheels

Imagine a Stryker vehicle, already a formidable piece of hardware, but now equipped with a high-tech brain and a new set of eyes. That’s the essence of BLADE, which stands for Ballistic Low Altitude Drone Engagement. The system integrates a precision radar and advanced fire control with the vehicle’s existing Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (CROWS).

During the test on August 1st at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area, soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment used BLADE to engage and destroy drones from 1640 to 2624 ft away (500 to 800 meters). The operator sits safely inside the vehicle, using a screen and controls to unleash a barrage of precision fire on incoming threats.

David Goldstein from the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command praised its “rapid reaction” capability. The system can switch between multiple targets in seconds, a critical feature when facing a potential drone swarm.

From “Impossible to Possible”

For the soldiers on the ground, this technology is a game-changer. For years, dealing with small, fast-moving drones has been a massive headache. Trying to hit one with a standard rifle is incredibly difficult. The BLADE system, however, makes it not just possible, but practical.

The Armaments Center team behind the project shipped the system to Poland, installed it on a Stryker, and trained the soldiers on-site. The system proved to be incredibly intuitive. Maj. Jared Whitaker, an expert on the CROWS platform, said he mastered the BLADE system in about an hour, calling the experience a shift from “impossible to possible” in the world of counter-drone defense.

This isn’t just a prototype, either. The BLADE system has been in development since 2016 and has been battle-tested in major exercises like Project Convergence. This latest success in Poland is another validation that the technology is ready for the field.

The Never-Ending Drone Arms Race

The development of systems like BLADE is a direct response to the explosive growth of drone use in conflicts around the world. Drones have become a double-edged sword: they are incredible tools for reconnaissance and support, but they are also a potent threat in the hands of an adversary.

This live-fire test provides invaluable feedback for the Army. They are not just testing the tech; they’re developing the tactics. The lessons learned in Poland about how to best use BLADE on the move and coordinate its use with other units will shape the future of the Army’s counter-drone strategy. It’s a constant, evolving arms race between drone and anti-drone technology.

DroneXL’s Take

I’m a long way from the military training grounds of Poland, but I can’t help but feel a sense of professional admiration for the team behind BLADE. This is a smart, practical, and desperately needed solution to a very real problem.

What I find most impressive is that this isn’t some brand-new, multi-billion dollar weapon. It’s an intelligent upgrade to a system that soldiers are already familiar with. Just like the way the U.S. is not making new helicopters but upgrading the old faithfuls Apaches. By integrating BLADE with the existing CROWS platform, they are making it easier for troops to adopt and master. It’s a clever way to roll out a new capability without a massive training burden.

“Real talk,” the battlefield is a chaotic place. I’ve lost GPS signal just flying in a park with a few trees. Imagine trying to get a solid radar lock on a small drone in a combat zone with dust, smoke, and active electronic jamming. The challenges are immense, and a system like this needs to be almost foolproof to be effective.

But this successful test is a huge step in the right direction. For us in the drone community, it’s a powerful reminder of the serious, dual-use nature of our technology. The same principles that allow our DJI drones to track a moving car for a cinematic shot are being used here to track and destroy a target. It’s a sobering thought, but also a testament to the incredible power of the technology we all love.

Photographs courtesy of Department of Defense