US Army seeks innovative new battlefield roles for drones
Soldiers of the 294th Medical Company transport a simulated triage patient during Exercise Northern Strike 2023. (Photo: US Army)
The US Army recently tested deployment of UAS to identify casualties on the battlefield and in disaster response scenarios. Drones were used to assess the vital signs of wounded soldiers from the sky.
Drones have been providing a crucial capability to succeed in tomorrow’s warfare. To better exploit their potential, the US Army has been evaluating new use applications. The service has recently tested deployment of UAS to identify casualties on the battlefield and in disaster response scenarios.
As part of the Vision and Intelligence Systems for Medical Teaming Applications (VISTA) project, the trials conducted during the Northern Strike 2023 exercise, held in Michigan, involved the use of small UAS (sUAS) to assess from the sky the vital signs of simulated wounded soldiers on the ground.
Speaking to Shephard, a spokesperson
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Defence Notes
-
![Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons]()
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
-
![Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion]()
Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.
-
![Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results]()
Broad demand for land and technology equipment boosts defence companies’ financial results
Financial reporting season for the calendar year of 2024 has continued to show substantial growth for defence companies as countries across the world, particularly those in Europe, open the chequebook.
-
![EU commits to increased defence spending and boosting capability]()
EU commits to increased defence spending and boosting capability
There has been increased pressure from the second-term Trump administration in the US, as there was in the first term, for increased defence spending from non-US NATO countries, a move which is noted by Europe as already occurring.
-
![Can the Trump administration overcome the Pentagon's multiple capability integration issues?]()
Can the Trump administration overcome the Pentagon's multiple capability integration issues?
Better integration of systems and sensors across the branches will be critical to ensuring deterrence and readiness.
-
![Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”]()
Trump enters the White House promising into bring the US military to a “golden age”
The returning US president also reiterated a commitment to supply the services with “made-in-America” capabilities and to end conflicts worldwide.
