Skydio X10D and Audible Dropper: U.S. Army’s New Tool for Precision Drone-Based Grenade Strikes

The U.S. Army’s recent live-fire test of drone-dropped grenades marks a significant development in the evolution of small-unit combat capabilities. Conducted on June 25, 2025, at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, the test involved the deployment of a standard M67 fragmentation grenade from a Skydio X10D small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) using a device known as the “Audible” dropper. This event represents a formal integration of drone-based munitions delivery into conventional military operations, reflecting broader trends in modern warfare and tactical innovation.

Skydio X10D Audible dropper. U.S Army

The Audible dropper, developed by the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), is a 3D-printed mechanism designed to remotely pull the pin of a grenade mid-flight and release it over a designated target. This system was mounted on a commercially available Skydio X10D quadcopter, which was adapted for military use. The test was carried out by personnel from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and other units under the 7th Army Training Command (7ATC), with support from DEVCOM and the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

The use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones for military applications is not new. Irregular forces in various conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, have employed similar tactics for years. However, the U.S. Army’s approach differs in its emphasis on safety, standardization, and integration into formal doctrine. The Audible system underwent multiple iterations, including tests with inert and M69 training grenades, before the live M67 drop. Safety protocols included geo-fencing, signal disruption tools, and oversight by the German Ministry of Defense and Bundeswehr representatives.

This development is part of a broader shift in military strategy that emphasizes agility, cost-efficiency, and decentralized capabilities. By enabling platoon- and company-level units to deploy drones equipped with conventional munitions, the Army aims to enhance tactical reach and reduce risk to personnel in close-quarters or urban combat scenarios. The Skydio X10D and Audible combination is particularly notable for its affordability and modularity, allowing for rapid adaptation and field-level customization.

The test also reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly in Eastern Europe. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated the effectiveness of drone-dropped munitions in asymmetric warfare, prompting NATO and allied militaries to reassess their own capabilities. The U.S. Army’s experimentation with drone-based grenade delivery is informed by these observations and seeks to formalize such tactics within a structured military framework.

Looking ahead, DEVCOM plans to refine the Audible system based on feedback from the Grafenwoehr test. Future iterations may include expanded payload options and broader integration into training programs across U.S. Army Europe and Africa, as well as U.S. Forces Command. The goal is to develop a field-ready, 3D-printable system that can be deployed rapidly and maintained with minimal logistical burden.

The implications of this development extend beyond the immediate tactical benefits. The ability to deploy drones with lethal payloads at the lowest echelons of command could reshape the dynamics of small-unit engagements and influence the design of future military operations. It also raises questions about the ethical and strategic considerations of increasingly autonomous and decentralized combat systems.

The U.S. Army’s successful test of drone-dropped grenades represents a convergence of technological innovation, tactical adaptation, and strategic foresight. While still in the early stages of implementation, this capability has the potential to become a standard component of modern infantry operations, reflecting the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century.

The Skydio X10D, the drone platform used in the U.S. Army’s recent live-fire grenade drop test, represents a convergence of advanced autonomy, modular design, and tactical adaptability. Developed specifically for defense and government applications, the X10D is engineered to operate in contested environments and deliver mission-critical data with minimal operator burden. Its integration into small-unit operations underscores a broader shift toward distributed, AI-enabled battlefield technologies.

The X10D is built around a modular architecture that supports a range of sensor packages and payloads. It features four attachment bays that allow for rapid reconfiguration in the field, enabling operators to tailor the drone to specific mission requirements. This flexibility is enhanced by compliance with RAS-A standards and the open MAVLINK protocol, which facilitate integration with third-party and government-owned flight software.

One of the defining features of the X10D is its sensor suite. The drone supports two primary configurations: the VT300-Z and VT300-L. The VT300-Z includes a 64 MP narrow camera, a 48 MP telephoto lens, and a FLIR Boson+ radiometric thermal sensor. The VT300-L, on the other hand, combines the same 64 MP narrow camera with a 50 MP wide-angle lens and the same thermal imaging capability. These sensors enable high-resolution visual and thermal imaging, allowing for detailed reconnaissance, target identification, and environmental assessment. The FLIR Boson+ sensor, in particular, offers thermal sensitivity down to ≤30 mK, making it suitable for detecting subtle temperature variations even in complete darkness.

The drone’s autonomy is powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin GPU, which provides ten times the processing power of previous Skydio models. This enables advanced AI functions such as real-time 3D mapping, object recognition, and autonomous navigation in GPS-denied environments. The X10D’s six 32 MP navigation cameras provide 360-degree situational awareness, supporting obstacle avoidance and spatial reasoning in complex environments. These capabilities are further enhanced by Skydio’s proprietary NightSense technology, which allows the drone to operate autonomously in zero-light conditions using either visible or infrared illumination.

Operational resilience is another key attribute of the X10D. The drone is IP55 certified for dust and water resistance and can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C. It is capable of withstanding wind gusts up to 28.6 mph and can be deployed in under 40 seconds. With a maximum flight speed of 45 mph and a flight time of up to 40 minutes, the X10D is designed for rapid deployment and sustained operations in dynamic environments.

The drone’s communication system, Skydio Connect, supports multiband radio frequencies and dynamic channel switching, allowing it to maintain connectivity in environments with electromagnetic interference or GPS jamming. This is particularly relevant for military operations in contested or denied areas, where traditional navigation and communication systems may be compromised.

From a user interface perspective, the X10D is operated via the Skydio Flight Deck, a professional-grade control application that supports mission planning, execution, and review. The interface is customizable and designed to minimize cognitive load, enabling operators to focus on mission objectives rather than manual flight control. The drone can also be flown using third-party controllers, offering additional flexibility for integration into existing systems.

In the context of the U.S. Army’s grenade drop test, the X10D’s modularity and autonomy were critical enablers. The drone’s ability to carry and deploy a modified M67 grenade using the Audible dropper highlights its potential as a force multiplier for small units. By combining high-resolution sensing, autonomous navigation, and payload delivery in a compact, rugged platform, the X10D exemplifies the next generation of tactical unmanned systems.

As military forces continue to adapt to the demands of modern conflict, platforms like the Skydio X10D are likely to play an increasingly prominent role. Their ability to operate independently, deliver precise intelligence, and support kinetic operations at the tactical edge reflects a broader transformation in how combat power is projected and sustained on the battlefield.