US Army conducts live-fire C-UAS exercise during Operation Hard Kill

The United States Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, have collaborated to defeat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threats during Operation Hard Kill at Fort Drum on August 1.

Operation Hard Kill provides an opportunity for 10th Mountain Division and industry partners to work together to develop a collaborative system to facilitate counter-UAS training at Fort Drum. It demonstrates 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum’s ability to coordinate and execute the use of C-UAS equipment through live-fire exercises. 

The August 1 event included the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) B system, for use on armoured vehicles and ships. It allows weapon operators to engage targets without leaving the protection of their vehicle. A four-legged uncrewed ground vehicle armed with an artificial intelligence-enabled rifle was also part of the test.

The event also tested command and control support across US Army departments.