Innovation for the Security of the Nation
The Official Website of the U.S. National Drone Association™
U.S. MILITARY
DRONE CRUCIBLE COMPETITION
19-24 September 2025 | Central Florida
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DoD and USG Participants & Observers
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All DoD and USG members are encouraged to request an invitation to the event. This is a CLOSED EVENT. Space is limited, and invitations will be prioritized for applicants representing
- installation and operational commands actively pursuing drone and counter drone solutions
- acquisitions & S&T organizations
- efforts shaping policy and adoption of emerging small drone and counter drone technologies. ​​
The Primary Objective: How to Modernize Squad-level Capabilities.
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Employment and evaluation of current systems that can be immediately fielded to modernize the mission of the rifle squad in order to remain competitive with present-day tactics and technologies:
"To Locate, Close with, and Destroy the Enemy through Fire and Maneuver, or Repel Enemy Assault by Fire & Close Combat [using Drone and Counter-Drone Technology and TTPs]"
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The Secondary Objective: How to Enhance Squad-level Capabilities
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Employment and evaluation of short-term future systems provided by industry and academia that can enhance capabilities beyond present day peer competition, including evaluation of prototypes and advanced applications.
Drone Crucible Competition ​
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The primary teams will take the field and execute their preplanned mission sets engaging a variety of targets:​
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➢ Close Quarter Drone "CQB" Breaching/Room Clearing Challenge
➢ Moving Enemy Convoy = require operator to strike specific vulnerability point
➢ Moving Aerial Target = require operator to engage RW or Group 3
➢ Long Range strike against critical asset
➢ Integrated Long Range strike against multiple targets & Counter Drone Systems
