The US Marines conducted their first public live-fire exercise using first-person view (FPV) drones on the Korean Peninsula. The military test was carried out at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, South Korea.
At this facility, located about 30 kilometers south of the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, the Marines fired six FPV drones. All shots successfully destroyed simulated barracks targets 900 meters away.
FPV drones, widely used during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are remotely controlled by an operator wearing special goggles and explode on impact. Depending on the mission, these drones can be equipped with armor-piercing, material-destroying, or anti-personnel warheads.
The US Marines stated that the exercise demonstrated a technological capability enabling small units to conduct precision strikes from safer distances. It was emphasized that this capability provides a tactical advantage by extending beyond the range of traditional infantry weapons.
The live-fire test was conducted in coordination with the South Korean military. It is considered part of efforts to strengthen combined military readiness between the two allies.