The US Just Unveiled The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team — Here’s Why It Matters

On 3 January 2025, the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT) was formed by Major General Anthony M. Henderson of the Training Command and Brig. Gen. Simon M. Doran of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. This new team in the US Marines will concern themselves with the operation of first-person view (FPV) drones during warfare.

The US Marines Is Now Integrating Drones Into Its Warfare Strategies

Over the past few months, we have seen a lot of advancement in the drone industry with various applications rolling out. Now we are seeing a shift in the US Marine warfare strategy as they unveil a new team to operate drones specifically designed for warfare.

This team, known as the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT), will operate from the Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico. With this team in place, the US will be able to move along with the shifting weapons industry, which seems to be taking an interest in drones.

According to the reports regarding this new unit, at the top of the command chain will be Major Alejandro Tavizon. Speaking on the efforts to establish the new unit he heads, Major Alejandro Tavizon says “We are ensuring that Marines remain agile, adaptive, and lethal in the modern battlespace.”

A major aspect of the training of the personnel that will join MCADT will be the operation of drones during warfare. However, their training will also include combat lessons from the Marine Corps Shooting Team.

For this new team, the Marine Corps plans to develop and deploy several small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) which might cost under $5000 per unit. These drones will be operated remotely by the new MCADT, which is operated by the Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

The New US Marine Corps Attack Drone Team To Explore The Ends Of Drone Warfare

Previous reports have shown that countries like China show off their command of drones during warfare. Other countries are also developing and showing off the capabilities of their small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

These advancements in drone technology prepare it for use in warfare like we see in sci-fi movies. The US doesn’t seem to be taking any chances as the drone industry expands its usage into warfare.

During the U.S. National Drone Association’s Military Drone Crucible Championship which will take place in Florida this summer, the Marines will officially unveil the MCADT. The new team will also show off some of its drone control skills during this event.

In 2026, the new Marine Corps Attack Drone Team will expand its operations and conduct a final championship and selection event at Quantico. With this new team, the US aims to step into the use of drones in combat as well as show their adaptability to the evolution of technology.