The US Marine Corps is accelerating its adoption of FPV attack drones with the launch of a new training pipeline designed to quickly increase the number of qualified drone operators across the force. The initiative establishes standardized instruction and certification for small unmanned aerial systems, ensuring consistent operational proficiency as new platforms are fielded.
The training effort aligns with the Department of Defense’s plan to deploy large volumes of attack drones beginning in 2026, with early emphasis on commercial off-the-shelf systems such as the Neros Archer FPV drone. These platforms are expected to play a growing role in future expeditionary and littoral combat operations.
Under the framework developed by the Training and Education Command, the Marine Corps will introduce six pilot training courses and eight specialized certifications, including tracks for drone pilots, attack drone operators, payload specialists, and instructors. The program is open to Marines from all specialties and is structured to build a common baseline for both reconnaissance and strike missions.
Seven units have been designated as regional centers of excellence, while the Weapons Training Battalion at Quantico, Virginia, will manage overall standardization and safety. The training builds on recent qualification exercises in the United States and Japan, with dozens already certified and hundreds more Marines scheduled for training, as the Corps moves to equip all infantry, reconnaissance, and littoral combat units with FPV attack drone capabilities by May 2026.
