British forces deployed in the Malvinas Islands have begun using FPV drones in their most recent training exercises, which is a noteworthy development given the use of this type of system, already so widespread in other regions. Thanks to a series of images published on social media, it was possible to observe members of the Parachute Regiment using FPV-type unmanned aerial vehicles during their final training phase.
According to what was published by British forces in the South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), the use of FPV drones took place as part of Cape Upholder exercise, an activity in which personnel from the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) took part. “…This final phase brought together resilience, teamwork, and adaptability, hallmarks of the high standards they have maintained throughout their deployment…”, the British occupation force stated in its social media post.
In the image, an FPV drone can be seen, similar to those being used in the conflict in Ukraine, since it is not a commercial version but rather the classic configuration adopted by user-built unmanned aerial vehicles: frame, motors, batteries, antennas, and so on.
Although the photograph is not entirely clear, on the underside of the British FPV drone it is possible to make out what appears to be a payload, which could correspond either to a dropped projectile or to a HEAT-type projectile. These configurations, particularly the kamikaze type, are among the most common in the Ukrainian conflict.
After the experiences in Ukraine, and to a lesser extent in the Middle East, the introduction into service and use of FPV drones should not be surprising. However, many armed forces have shown excessive slowness when it comes to adopting a system that is used daily by both Ukrainian and Russian forces, with more than proven results.
Usually, this niche is filled by designs proposed by various manufacturers, which tends to drive up acquisition costs because they are complex systems with limited capabilities due to lack of experience. The Ukrainian battlefields have repeatedly demonstrated the failure of systems that had been described as revolutionary or highly sophisticated.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russia have shown that more economical solutions, such as FPV drones, have become vital tools on the modern battlefield. This is something British forces in the Malvinas appear to have taken note of, leading to their incorporation as standard equipment.
Cover image: BFSAI – CPL Welson
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