The US Marine Corps (USMC) has conducted its first live-fire first-person view (FPV) attack drone exercises in South Korea, according to the Department of War (DoW).
The drills involved the 4th Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine Division, supported by units such as the 3rd Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion and the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.
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As part of the Unit Deployment Programme focused on the Pacific region, these exercises marked the Corps’ inaugural use of FPV attack drones in Korea and were carried out in two separate events on 30 July and 5 August.
During the training exercises, Marines operated Neros Archer FPV drones in live-fire attacks against armoured and personnel targets. These compact drone systems give squad and platoon-level units a cost-effective alternative to larger weapon platforms that they do not typically possess.
With a reach of up to 20km, the Neros Archer enables Marines to carry out precision strikes from relative safety, extending their operational range beyond that of standard infantry weapons.
According to the DoW, this series of drills enhanced the 4th Marine Regiment’s tactical expertise with drones, incorporating uncrewed technology into both offensive and defensive scenarios and broadening the scope of traditional marksmanship.
3rd Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion company executive officer, Marine Corps 1st lieutenant Evan Brace said: “Training with these FPV drone systems with deployed Marines, on a live-fire range and in a unique environment allows us to get one step further toward integrating it into real-world operations.
“We learn what works, and most importantly, what needs to be worked on and refined, so that when the time comes to use the Neros Archer on the battlefield, we have perfected the craft.”
The live-fire exercises on the Korean Peninsula were preceded by extensive preparations to ensure safety and compliance with airspace regulations.
According to the DoW, the 4th Marine Regiment collaborated closely with the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, 8th Army, and the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, as well as South Korean authorities, to establish the required procedural frameworks.
The training is also intended to support and broaden future opportunities for joint and allied FPV attack drone exercises.
