The New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team traveled to Fort Drum, N.Y., to test out tiny soldier-borne sensor drones between June 24 and 28. 

SBS drones are tiny, weighing less than 2 ounces and measuring about 6x1 inches. The remotely-operated drones mitigate hazards to soldiers by performing tasks that soldiers would otherwise have to do themselves by hand. 

“The potential of having a personal UAS fielded to every squad gives the squad the ability to assess a situation from a cover and concealed position, mitigating the risk to the soldier,” reads the Program Executive Office Soldier website entry on SBS drones.

The drones are effective at battlefield reconnaissance. Due to its small size, the drones make little noise, making them difficult to detect. Soldiers can operate the drones from the safety of cover while gaining an eye over the battlefield. 

“It’s designed to, instead of using us to do surveillance, it can do surveillance and reconnaissance and search for enemy fighting positions or friendly forces,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Huang, a combat engineer. “It’s small and lightweight, and with how high it can go, you can’t really hear it.”

The drones are also easy to use — soldiers can learn to fly SBS drones in just minutes. 

The Guardsmen are expected to bring their knowledge back with them and train other soldiers on the new technology, according to a service release.  

SBS drones were previously used by paratroopers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, to support a foot patrol in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in 2019.

National Guard

previous coverage

• Army brigade uses mini drones for first time in Afghanistan
• First Army battalion with mini drones heading to Afghanistan