US Marines Advance Drone Warfare with R80D SkyRaider Strike Simulation

On July 3, 2025, the United States Marine Corps conducted a live-fire exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into tactical operations. The exercise featured the R80D SkyRaider drone deploying a Mjölnir munition, representing the first instance of a program-of-record UAS delivering a live explosive payload in a Marine Corps training scenario.

The R80D SkyRaider carries Mjolnir ammunition. US Department of Defense

The primary objective of this exercise was to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating small, weaponized drones into combined arms operations. This initiative aligns with broader efforts under the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 strategy, which emphasizes distributed lethality, mobility, and the use of emerging technologies to enhance battlefield effectiveness. The concept was initially proposed during a School of Infantry summit, where Maj. Jessica Del Castillo, commanding officer of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) School, presented the idea of pairing the SkyRaider with the Mjölnir munition. Her proposal received immediate support from Maj. Gen. Anthony Henderson, leading to a directive to execute a live demonstration within two months.

The R80D SkyRaider, developed by Teledyne FLIR, is a vertical takeoff and landing quadcopter designed for multi-mission use. Originally intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), its modular architecture has enabled adaptation for payload delivery and precision strike capabilities. The drone features autonomous flight systems, encrypted communications, and rugged construction suitable for austere or GPS-denied environments.

Key specifications of the R80D SkyRaider include:

• Payload Capacity: Up to 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg), supporting a range of mission-specific payloads including lethal munitions, ISR sensors, and communications equipment.

• Flight Endurance: Approximately 40 minutes under standard propulsion, extendable with tethered operation or XL battery packs.

• Operating Altitude: Capable of reaching up to 15,000 feet above mean sea level.

• Speed and Range: Ground speed of 50 km/h with a maximum operational range of 8 km.

• Environmental Tolerance: Tested to IP-54 and military standards, withstanding wind gusts up to 56 mph and temperatures ranging from -4°F to 122°F.

• Imaging and Targeting: Equipped with advanced EO/IR payloads, including the StormCaster-T and HDZoom 30, offering high-resolution imaging and real-time video processing for target acquisition and tracking.

• Autonomy and AI: Integrated NVIDIA processors enable edge computing for object detection, classification, and semi-autonomous navigation in contested environments.

The Mjölnir munition, deployed during the exercise, is a compact, precision-guided explosive device weighing approximately 500 grams. It incorporates stabilizer fins and a top-mounted sensor, enabling directional blasts of ball bearings. The munition can be configured for point detonation or aerial burst, with LiDAR-based proximity sensing used to optimize detonation timing based on terrain and altitude.

Despite the successful deployment, the exercise revealed several operational challenges. During one test, the Mjölnir detonated prematurely while still in free fall, underscoring the developmental nature of the system and the need for further refinement in detonation control and safety protocols. Additionally, the munition has not yet completed the full certification process required for fleet-wide adoption, and its use was authorized under an Interim Flight Clearance issued by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

From a tactical standpoint, the integration of drones like the SkyRaider into infantry formations offers several advantages. It enables low-signature precision strikes, reduces reliance on traditional artillery or air support, and enhances survivability by allowing operators to remain under cover during engagements. These capabilities are particularly relevant in urban and complex terrain, where conventional weapons face limitations in maneuverability and risk of collateral damage.

However, the effectiveness of such systems depends on continued development in areas such as munition reliability, targeting accuracy, and interoperability with existing fire support assets. The exercise also highlighted the importance of coordination between aerial and ground-based systems, including mortars and Javelin missiles, to ensure safe and effective integration of drone-delivered munitions.

Looking ahead, the Marine Corps intends to use insights from this demonstration to inform future tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for small UAS employment. The event is part of a broader experimentation framework aimed at defining how unmanned systems can be safely and effectively incorporated into combat formations. Observers from NAVAIR, Marine Corps Training and Education Command, and 2nd Marine Division were present to assess the exercise and contribute to ongoing discussions about acquisition strategies and training requirements.

The evolution of the SkyRaider from a reconnaissance platform to a strike-capable asset reflects a broader trend in military innovation, driven in part by lessons from recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war. In those engagements, both sides have demonstrated the tactical utility of small drones for surveillance, targeting, and direct attacks. The Marine Corps’ adoption of similar technologies suggests a shift toward more agile, networked, and autonomous combat capabilities.

While the live-fire test of the R80D SkyRaider and Mjölnir munition represents a significant milestone, it also underscores the complexities involved in integrating new technologies into operational doctrine. Continued experimentation, rigorous safety validation, and strategic planning will be essential to realizing the full potential of unmanned systems in future military operations.