Tactics And Training
Discover the Pentagon’s New “Top Gun” for Drones
Discover the Pentagon’s New “Top Gun” for Drones
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Camp Atterbury, Indiana
Move over, Maverick. The Pentagon has introduced a new initiative akin to Hollywoods famed "Top Gun" program, this time focused on drone operators. Set against the backdrop of Camp Atterbury, Indiana, this innovative school for drone pilots has emerged as a central element of the Department of Defense's Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) series. This initiative allows operators to engage in competitive scenarios that resemble real-world applications, integrating lessons learned from engagements in Ukraine alongside advanced UAV technologies. Launched amid the T-REX experimentation window in August 2025, the program is far more than mere demonstrations. Termed the Top Drone school, this initiative features red-vs-blue matches and live-in-action drills designed to prepare operators for complex urban environments. It has quickly evolved into a significant training ground where service members from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and National Guard collaborate. These varied teams seek to enhance their skills in operating attritable swarms and first-person view (FPV) strike systems at both company and battalion levels. The dynamic training environment at T-REX mimics combat situations by incorporating elements like jamming, GPS-denied conditions, and even live-fire demonstrations using loitering munitions. This method not only hones pilot skills but allows for real-time evaluation of both the systems used and operational tactics in these high-stakes scenarios. Additionally, the involvement of Ukrainian advisors offers invaluable feedback, ensuring that these systems are battle-ready through firsthand insights into frontline challenges. Various drone models have been integrated into the curriculum, ranging from small FPV strike rigs to mid-sized tactical systems. Notable manufacturers and prototypes showcased at T-REX include Draganflys Commander 3XL and Flex FPV models, and AeroVironments Switchblade family, ensuring a diverse array of technologies is tested. More experimental devices like Kratos XQ-58 and autonomous swarm concepts like WASP/HIVE also play critical roles in this unique educational structure. Whats more, the T-REX program is not limited to the operations of the drones alone; it encompasses comprehensive testing of the broader ecosystem. This includes counter-drone (UAS) sensors and systems, communications resilience, and even congestion environments that emulate potential battlefield adversities. Such a comprehensive approach underscores the necessity of developing not only capable drone systems but also the infrastructure that supports them within military operations. As the program continues to evolve, it is clear that the emphasis on building a scalable, tactical drone training school could shape how the military integrates unmanned systems into future engagements. The collaboration across branches reflects an acute awareness of the need for adaptability and skillful execution in modern warfare.