US Army Delivers Advanced SRR Drones to the First Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

The Army's Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS) successfully delivered and completed training on the new Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) system for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, as reported by the U.S. Department of Defense on April 24, 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Army to enhance operational effectiveness by equipping forces with the latest uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) technology.
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Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division conduct mobile recovery training for the Short Range Reconnaissance system at Fort Campbell, Ky. (Picture source: US DoD)

Colonel Danielle Medaglia, Project Manager for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, emphasized the importance of rapidly delivering UAS and adding new capabilities to these systems to ensure units maintain an operational advantage on the battlefield.

The rapid advancements in uncrewed technologies are transforming battlefield dynamics. The Army’s UAS Project Office is committed to providing units with innovative UAS technology to support the Army's broader transformation goals. The Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Product Office led the training for the 101st Soldiers, offering continuous support and expertise throughout the deployment process.

SRR systems offer modernized capabilities to soldiers at the platoon level, acting as force multipliers and enhancing soldier survivability. Equipped with advanced sensors, the SRR provides real-time reconnaissance, security, and target acquisition capabilities. These systems provide commanders with timely data, enabling swift and informed decision-making. Additionally, UAS enhance operational flexibility and agility on the battlefield by improving threat detection, identifying safe routes, and minimizing exposure to hazards, making them valuable assets in Army formations.

Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, a platoon sergeant from the 101st Division expressed gratitude for the SRR UAS systems, noting that it is the first SUAS system they can utilize for both training and deployment.

The SRR is the Army’s first deployed quadcopter and will be integrated across the Army with appropriate training, doctrine, and support. The SUAS Product Office plans to complete the fielding of the SRR Tranche 1 system this year. The SRR Tranche 2 system will feature improved autonomy, a new controller, and a modular open systems approach to facilitate the rapid integration of new technologies and capabilities due to the fast maturation rate of SUAS technology in future tranches.