The US Marine Corps has formed a new Attack Drone Team, leveraging lessons from Ukraine to revolutionize modern warfare with precision drone technology that costs less than $5,000 per unit.
Quick Takes
- The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT) was created in response to drone warfare tactics observed in Ukraine and other modern conflicts.
- Led by Major Alejandro Tavizon, the team will focus on cost-effective drone systems capable of precision strikes up to 20 kilometers away.
- MCADT will represent the Corps in global drone competitions while developing tactical proficiency with first-person view drones.
- The initiative addresses challenges in rapidly adopting new technology while integrating drone warfare into existing military doctrine.
- The team will be based with the Warfighting Laboratory and Weapons Training Battalion to ensure Marines remain at the forefront of drone warfare.
Marine Corps Embraces Drone Warfare Revolution
The US Marine Corps has officially launched the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT), a specialized unit designed to integrate advanced drone technologies into combat operations. This strategic initiative directly responds to tactical developments observed in Ukraine, where small, inexpensive drones have dramatically changed battlefield dynamics. The team will operate under the leadership of Major Alejandro Tavizon and be stationed with the Warfighting Laboratory and Weapons Training Battalion, focusing on developing expertise with small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can deliver precision strikes at distances up to 20 kilometers.
Major Tavizon emphasized the urgency behind this initiative, stating, “Today’s battlefield is changing rapidly, and we must adapt just as quickly.” The MCADT represents a significant shift in military strategy, prioritizing cost-effective solutions under $5,000 that can be deployed quickly and effectively in combat zones. This approach mirrors successful Ukrainian tactics that have employed consumer-grade drones modified for military applications against Russian forces, demonstrating that modern warfare increasingly favors agility and innovation over traditional high-cost weapons systems.
🇺🇸WAR GAMES, LITERALLY – MARINES FORM ELITE ATTACK DRONE SQUAD
The Marine Corps is getting into the drone game — not with billion-dollar aircraft, but with $5K first-person-view drones that pack a serious punch.
The new Attack Drone Team, based in Quantico, will train Marines… https://t.co/tbVCDlbYRW pic.twitter.com/xhRHr0ch2X
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 2, 2025
Building Combat Proficiency Through Competition
The Marine Corps is taking a multi-faceted approach to building drone warfare expertise. Team members will undergo specialized training courses and participate in international drone competitions, beginning with the National Drone Association’s Military Drone Crucible Championship. These competitive events will provide valuable experience while showcasing the Marine Corps’ commitment to mastering this emerging technology. Beyond competitions, the team will conduct realistic combat scenarios using first-person view (FPV) drones, developing tactics that can be incorporated into broader military doctrine.
The initiative addresses a critical challenge facing modern military organizations: the rapid pace of technological change often outstrips traditional procurement processes. By creating a dedicated team focused on drone warfare, the Marine Corps aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies while building institutional expertise. The team will focus initially on developing proficiency through hands-on experience, with Major Tavizon noting, “Right now, our focus is on rapidly building proficiency by sending Marines to a variety of training courses and increasing hands-on familiarization.”
Learning from Ukraine’s Drone Innovation
Ukraine has become a global laboratory for drone warfare innovation, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces developing increasingly sophisticated applications for unmanned systems. The conflict has showcased everything from simple commercial drones dropping grenades to custom-built FPV drones capable of precision strikes against tanks and other high-value targets. More advanced developments, including drones with mounted shotguns and AI-assisted piloting, are being closely monitored by military planners worldwide. The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team represents a concrete step toward incorporating these lessons into American military doctrine.
The influence of Ukraine’s drone innovation extends beyond Europe, with Pacific nations also adopting similar approaches. Taiwan has drawn inspiration from Ukrainian tactics, developing its own drone capabilities including maritime applications like “sea drones.” This global proliferation of drone warfare tactics underscores the importance of the Marine Corps’ initiative. By establishing a dedicated drone team now, the Corps positions itself to remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving domain, ensuring American forces maintain their technological edge while adapting to the changing character of modern warfare.
