The U.S. Marines are forming a new attack-drone team and conducting intensive first-person-view (FPV) drone training to modernize combat capabilities [1, 2].
This shift reflects an urgent need to adapt to the evolving nature of conflict. Military leaders are integrating lessons from current warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East to address emerging drone threats to U.S. forces [1, 3, 5].
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit [1] is leading these efforts, focusing on the mastery of FPV attack drones. Training is currently taking place at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina [1]. These exercises aim to produce specialized pilots capable of navigating drones through complex environments to strike targets with precision.
Recent milestones include the first live-fire drone strike against a maritime surface vessel, which occurred in March 2026 [4]. This trial was conducted in Japan, marking a significant step in the operational application of these systems [4].
The initiative includes the creation of dedicated counter-drone teams to mitigate enemy aerial threats [3]. By combining offensive FPV capabilities with defensive counter-measures, the Marine Corps seeks to create a comprehensive drone warfare ecosystem. The training emphasizes rapid deployment, and the ability to integrate these tools into larger expeditionary operations.
Reporting on the March live-fire strike surfaced on April 27, 2026 [4]. The program continues to expand as the military evaluates the effectiveness of these low-cost, high-impact systems in diverse environments, ranging from the forests of North Carolina to the coastal waters of Japan [1, 4].
“The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is leading these efforts, focusing on the mastery of FPV attack drones.”
The transition toward FPV drone integration marks a shift in U.S. naval infantry doctrine. By adopting tactics seen in recent peer-to-peer conflicts, the Marines are moving away from a reliance on heavy platforms toward decentralized, low-cost attrition warfare. This suggests a future where small-unit autonomy and remote-strike capabilities are primary components of expeditionary force projection.
