Military achieves initial air-to-air victory utilizing drone armed with Claymore mines
The US Army recently demonstrated a novel counter-drone tactic by using Claymore mines mounted on drones for air-to-air combat. In a test conducted at Fort Rucker, Alabama, a SkyRaider FPV quadcopter armed with a Claymore anti-personnel mine successfully destroyed a target drone mid-air[1][2][3].
This approach uses a traditional anti-personnel Claymore mine, propelling steel ball bearings in a cone pattern, adapted for aerial use. The drone detonates the mine manually when it closes within lethal range of an enemy UAV[1][2]. The demonstration marked the first documented air-to-air kill by an armed FPV drone in the US Army’s history[2][3][5].
In contrast, drone-on-drone combat in Ukraine is characterized by frequent and dynamic engagements using smaller, highly maneuverable drones optimized for aerial combat roles. Ukrainian forces employ compact FPV drones with quicker acceleration and better maneuverability compared to the US SkyRaider prototype carrying the Claymore[1][4].
Key comparison points:
| Aspect | US Army Claymore-Armed Drones | Ukrainian Drone-on-Drone Combat | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Drone platform | SkyRaider FPV quadcopter (larger, slower) | Smaller, combat-specialized FPV drones (more agile) | | Weapon payload | US M18A1 Claymore anti-personnel mine (directional blast of steel balls) | Small explosive charges, direct kinetic strikes, or swarm tactics | | Engagement style | Manual close approach, detonation of Claymore at close range | High agility dogfighting, long-range targeting, continuous drone waves | | Reusability | FPV drone survived and resumed operation post-attack | Many Ukrainian drones are single-use or disposable | | Tactical context | Demonstration to counter low-altitude UAV threats, integrating lessons from Eastern Europe | Ongoing battlefield innovation and daily contested drone tactics | | Cost & deployment | Low-cost, modular off-the-shelf drone adapted for new role | Various cost-effective drones rapidly fielded and iterated on |
The US test reflects a deliberate effort to catch up with drone warfare trends revealed by Ukraine’s intense drone combat operations and innovate using available technology such as the Claymore mine. While promising as a low-cost and practical counter-drone solution, the US system still faces maneuverability and performance gaps compared to the battle-tested Ukrainian drones[1][2][4][5].
The trial did not clearly show how the Claymore was mounted on the drone or what firing mechanism was used. Reports suggest some units are experimenting with basic automated collision detection systems to aid in avoidance. The Department of Defense recently approved the Skydio X10D quadcopter for Army use, and it is expected to become the primary platform for delivering drone-mounted payloads[6].
[1] https://www.army.mil/article/257817/army_conducts_first_person_view_drone_intercept_test [2] https://www.c4isrnet.com/army/2022/08/23/army-conducts-first-person-view-drone-intercept-test/ [3] https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/08/22/army-tests-claymore-mine-equipped-drone-intercept-enemy-drones.html [4] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2022/08/23/army-tests-claymore-mine-equipped-drone-intercept-enemy-drones/ [5] https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/08/23/army-tests-claymore-mine-equipped-drone-intercept-enemy-drones/ [6] https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2022/08/army-to-use-skydio-drones-for-delivering-payloads/375217/
The M18 Claymore is a directional landmine developed in the 1950s, designed to be emplaced on the ground and triggered by a tripwire or manual detonator.
Videos from the conflict show how manual interceptions require precision flying and rapid decision-making.
Russian forces have mounted rear-facing cameras to detect approaching drones, allowing operators to evade or counterattack.
The SkyRaider, produced by Aeryon Defense USA, is an open-architecture platform that can be adapted for different payloads and missions.
The interceptor drone temporarily lost stability and communications when the Claymore went off, but the connection was restored seconds later.
- The US Army's adaptation of the M18 Claymore mine for aerial combat, mounted on a SkyRaider drone, demonstrates an effort to incorporate innovation in technology from the 1950s into modern counter-drone strategy.
- In contrast, the Ukrainian drone-on-drone combat showcases the integration of science and industry in creating compact FPV drones optimized for aerial combat roles, which employ tactics such as high agility dogfighting, long-range targeting, and continuous drone waves.
- Finance plays a significant role in both approaches, as the US Army is exploring low-cost, modular off-the-shelf drone solutions like the Skydio X10D, while Ukrainian forces rapidly field and iterate on various cost-effective drones, emphasizing battlefield innovation.
