Focus: US Army Soldiers Train with Virtual Reality to Counter Growing Drone Threats.

US Army soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment use cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology as part of their training to counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). This advanced training method aims to prepare soldiers to identify, detect, and defeat small enemy drones, a growing threat on modern battlefields, especially following the extensive use of drones in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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U.S. Army Spc. Elijah Sims, a Soldier assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, uses virtual reality to simulate operation on the Dronebuster Block 3B handheld electronic jammer, Rose Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, Vilseck, Germany, Jan. 8, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

As drones continue to evolve in their capabilities—ranging from reconnaissance to precision strikes—these U.S. soldiers are engaging in simulated operations designed to sharpen their skills in neutralizing such threats, enhancing their ability to respond effectively in real-world combat scenarios.

The importance of countering drones has become increasingly evident in recent conflicts, with Ukraine serving as a stark example of how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can be both a tactical advantage and a vulnerability. In Ukraine, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have employed drones extensively to disrupt enemy positions, conduct surveillance, and launch strikes on strategic targets. This has forced military forces worldwide, including the U.S. Army, to re-evaluate their tactics and invest in specialized training programs aimed at dealing with the drone threat. Recognizing the need for soldiers to not only defend against drones but also actively identify and neutralize them, the U.S. Army’s C-UAS course, which incorporates VR technology, was developed.

This VR-enhanced training allows soldiers to practice various counter-UAS techniques, such as the use of jamming devices or directed energy systems, in an immersive, risk-free environment. Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participating in this program, undergo realistic simulations where they engage with virtual drone threats in different combat scenarios. This approach allows for repeated practice and provides immediate feedback, honing the soldiers' ability to act quickly and accurately in situations where real drones could pose a threat. The training helps them understand the full spectrum of UAS capabilities, from surveillance to attack, and equips them with the necessary skills to defeat these systems.

The integration of virtual reality into counter-UAS training is a direct response to the rapid evolution of drone technology and its growing role in modern warfare. The VR simulations replicate real-world conditions and provide soldiers with the cognitive tools needed to respond to drone threats, which are often fast, unpredictable, and hard to spot. As the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, drones can carry out operations that were once the domain of larger, more traditional weapons systems, making them a significant challenge for forces that are unprepared or lack the proper training. With virtual reality, soldiers can encounter and neutralize these threats in an environment that closely mirrors the complexities of an actual battlefield, making it an invaluable addition to modern military training programs.

The shift toward such advanced training methods is not limited to soldiers in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The U.S. Army has increasingly recognized the need for all its personnel to be well-versed in countering UAS threats, especially as drones become more common in military operations worldwide. Training in C-UAS is now a core part of the Army’s broader strategy, with some units even incorporating this training into basic combat training (BCT). As the use of drones proliferates, the Army is ensuring that its soldiers have the necessary tools to identify, engage, and defeat these aerial threats. The incorporation of VR into this process marks a crucial step forward in preparing soldiers for the evolving challenges of modern warfare.