AUSA Global: Patriot used to shoot down quadcopter
News that a Patriot air defence missile was used to shoot down a small quadcopter brought groans from some audience members at this week’s Association of the US Army (AUSA) Global Forces event in Huntsville, Alabama.
In his presentation about the emerging multi-domain battle concept, Gen David Perkins, Commander of US Army Training and Doctrine Command, used the incident to illustrate the challenges that unmanned aerial systems are presenting to both kinetic and economic exchange ratios.
‘Instead of synchronising a series of federated solutions further down the process stream of executing the mission, from the very beginning we want
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army pursues 600 ISV-Hs to boost mobility and sustainment for manoeuvre brigades]()
US Army pursues 600 ISV-Hs to boost mobility and sustainment for manoeuvre brigades
The ISV-H is likely to feature commercial solutions and advanced technologies while providing mobility, transportability and onboard and exportable power to support tactical operations.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare
Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program have been adjusted from the 2024 version to promote greater military and industrial self-reliance, taking lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and looking to reinforce the industrial base.
-
![HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward]()
HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward
Australia's milestone Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System test and a wave of fresh contracts and production ramp-ups highlight the building momentum behind long-range strike systems globally, with HIMARS leading the way.
-
![Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities]()
Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities
Japan’s armoured forces are currently undergoing a doctrinal shift from tracked to wheeled vehicles. This represents a major change in the country’s force structure and armoured capabilities.
