The Joint Multinational Training Group–Ukraine (JMTG-U), a US-led initiative providing training and capability development for Ukrainian forces, has conducted a live-fire test, dropping 117 live M67 fragmentation grenades using a Skydio X10 Delta drone.
Held at Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, the test involved the JMTG-U Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Innovation Team evaluating the US Army’s Audible dropper system to provide frontline soldiers with enhanced precision in munitions delivery.
Throughout the testing, the team implemented several refinements to improve the dropper system, aiming to ensure reliability and real-world applicability.
“Our goal is to provide precision-guided munitions to the lowest level,” said US Army 1st Lt. David Baker.
“If we can take a hand grenade with a 30-meter (98-foot) throw range and give a soldier the ability to employ it at 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) or more, that’s just one more way to increase lethality on the battlefield,” added Baker.
The test involved coordination and interoperability with multiple US Army Europe and Africa units, including the 18th Military Police Brigade, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 702nd Ordnance Company.
Skydio X10 Delta
The drone used in the test, X10 Delta (X10D), developed by the US firm Skydio, is on the Blue UAS cleared list, a US initiative that certifies drone technologies for government and military use, as Washington sharpens its focus on drone innovation.
The system can reach a maximum speed of 45 miles (72 kilometers) per hour and is deployable in under 40 seconds.
Equipped with modular high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal cameras, the X10D provides detailed imagery to support operational decisions.
Its VT300-Z sensor package includes a telephoto camera capable of detecting objects, vehicles, and humans as soon as they enter its field of view.
Additionally, the X10D integrates a Teledyne FLIR Boson+ thermal sensor, enabling accurate thermal measurements in a variety of conditions.
