U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force prepare to receive a drone during the Marine Corps Attack Drone Competition on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2025. US Marine Corps photo
Japan-based Marines held the first Marine Corps Attack Drone Competition, certifying troops as operators in preparation for bringing the new technology to the battlefield. Marines from the 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), trained to use the Neros Archer first-person view attack drone during the competition, which began Dec. 3 and concluded Friday, at Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan. “The Marine Corps Attack Drone Competition allows Marines to test and improve their drone skills alongside the top operators in the Marine Corps, enhancing their confidence and capabilities on the battlefield,” said instructor Sgt. Grant Doran, with the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team in Quantico, in the Friday news release.

Full report : Japan-based U.S. Marines Test Attack Drones, Hone Autonomous Capabilities.