US Army Enhances Tactical Reconnaissance Capabilities with New Skydio X2D Drone.

The U.S. Army took a significant step forward in its drone capabilities during the multinational military exercise Combined Resolve 25-1, held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, on January 14, 2025. The exercise, which runs from January 12 to 25, 2025, saw soldiers from the 317th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division testing the advanced Skydio X2D drone.
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The Skydio X2D is an advanced American-made small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) developed by Skydio, a leading company in autonomous drone technology. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The Skydio X2D, an American-made UAS, is designed for rapid deployment, with the ability to be fully operational within a minute of activation. This portability is one of its key features—soldiers can carry the drone in their rucksacks, making it ideal for platoon-level operations. Weighing just under 2.25 kg (5 pounds), the Skydio X2D is capable of conducting high-resolution video reconnaissance during both day and night, with an operational range extending up to three kilometers. The drone's robust autonomous capabilities set it apart from other unmanned systems, as it can navigate complex environments while avoiding obstacles like trees and buildings. This level of autonomy reduces the burden on soldiers, allowing them to focus on their mission rather than drone piloting. Furthermore, the drone's ability to operate in environments with limited visibility—such as dense urban areas or thick forests—further extends its utility.

The Skydio X2D can operate up to a range of 3 km, offering soldiers an extended aerial view of the battlefield for real-time intelligence gathering. What sets the Skydio X2D apart from other drones is its exceptional autonomy and obstacle avoidance technology. Equipped with Skydio's proprietary computer vision software, the drone can navigate through complex environments—such as dense urban areas or wooded terrain—without requiring constant manual control. This level of autonomy allows it to avoid obstacles like trees, buildings, and other structures, ensuring a smooth flight path and minimizing the risk of crashes. The Skydio X2D is designed to be deployed in under a minute, offering soldiers a quick and reliable aerial reconnaissance tool that significantly enhances their ability to respond to evolving threats on the battlefield.

The deployment of the Skydio X2D as part of the Transformation in Contact initiative reflects the U.S. Army’s drive to integrate cutting-edge technologies into its warfighting strategies. This initiative aims to enhance decision-making speed and accuracy, enabling faster tactical responses in crisis or conflict scenarios. By utilizing drones like the Skydio X2D, soldiers are able to gather real-time intelligence that can be quickly relayed to commanders, thereby improving situational awareness and the ability to respond to rapidly changing battlefield conditions. The use of small drones for tactical reconnaissance is an increasingly common approach, as they allow the Army to assess enemy positions, identify potential threats, and gather vital information without putting soldiers directly in harm's way.

The shift toward greater drone use in the U.S. Army is part of a broader trend in modern military strategy. Unmanned systems, once primarily used for large-scale surveillance, are now critical tools for small teams operating at the platoon level. This is particularly important in asymmetric warfare or irregular combat scenarios, where having a portable, easy-to-deploy aerial asset can provide significant operational advantages. Drones like the Skydio X2D also contribute to soldier safety by enabling reconnaissance missions to be conducted remotely, reducing the risk of exposing personnel to enemy fire. This capability allows commanders to make more informed, strategic decisions, improving the overall safety and effectiveness of their units.

Looking to the future, the U.S. Army plans to expand its use of drones and other unmanned systems across various echelons of military operations. The increasing deployment of these systems at the platoon level reflects a move toward smaller, more agile, and flexible units that can respond rapidly to emerging threats. The Army is expected to integrate even more advanced drone technologies, focusing on improving data connectivity, communication between drones and ground units, and expanding the range of operations. As technology evolves, it is likely that drones will incorporate artificial intelligence, swarming capabilities, and even autonomous decision-making, making them even more effective tools in combat.

The testing of the Skydio X2D drone during Combined Resolve 25-1 underscores the U.S. Army's commitment to embracing new technologies to enhance battlefield awareness and operational readiness. This drone is a key element of the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its approach to warfare, ensuring that soldiers are better equipped to deal with the challenges of modern conflict. As the Army continues to refine its use of drones and other unmanned systems, it is positioning itself to maintain a technological edge in future conflicts, enhancing both the safety of its troops and its ability to respond quickly and decisively to threats on the battlefield.