US Army shows off its in-house 'Dragoons' drone with 3D-printed bombs which can fly up to 12 miles
A US Army regiment built, armed and flew its own explosive-carrying drone in Germany, claiming a first without contractor support.
On September 30, 2026, soldiers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany successfully launched and operated an unarmed drone that carried a custom-made, 3D-printed explosive container, marking a significant step towards autonomous battlefield systems. Known as the "Dragoon bomb," the container could hold nearly two pounds of explosives and reportedly allowed the drone to strike a target from over 12 miles away under guidance.
The live-fire exercise, conducted at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, demonstrated the drone's ability to be assembled and operated by soldiers in less than five minutes, from launch to impact. The drone, named the Orqa MRM2-10, was built from manufacturer-provided components and equipped with an electronic safety mechanism. Capt.
Michael Bapp, the company commander, emphasized that this exercise represents a potential first for the US Army, as it marks the first independent live drone strike without contractor support. The capability to modify the bomb into a shape charge further enhances its effectiveness against armored threats. The Army's development of this drone is part of a broader push to increase its in-house production and repair capabilities, inspired by lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, where cheap commercial drones have changed the dynamics of warfare.
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