USA - Special Forces Need to Train Operators to Build and Pilot FPV Drones

The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) issued a call last Wednesday, seeking a company that can train its forces to build and pilot "first-person view" (FPV) drones.

Small unmanned aerial systems, like FPV platforms, are playing a crucial role in the war in Ukraine and Russia, as well as other conflicts, and SOCOM aims to strengthen its capabilities in this area.

Details of the Specialized Training

A performance work statement (PWS) from the Naval Special Warfare Command – the entity responsible for preparing and equipping the Navy SEALs for special warfare missions – emphasized that its sUAS operators need initial qualification training covering the fabrication and piloting of these types of systems.

"The Contractor shall provide the personnel, management, materials, curriculum, and facilities necessary" to offer a 10-day instruction course for up to six personnel units that "encompasses all requirements for the procurement, assembly, troubleshooting, networking, and utilization of FPV drones," officials wrote.

The course will be intensive and divided into several key components:

• 35 hours of "fundamental training" on FPV development, including FPV systems theory, design and integration principles, performance limitations and characteristics, parts, circuits, assembly, troubleshooting and networking, battery management and storage, safe and efficient aircraft operation, and advanced flight techniques.
• 5 hours of "supervised construction instruction" on elements such as basic soldering and wiring techniques and procedures, FPV configuration software like Betaflight, Ardupilot, or similar, and basic repair and maintenance.¹
• 40 hours of supervised flight instruction "in various controlled environments, including indoor and outdoor flight, as well as flight simulation."

The training will culminate with a final exercise to demonstrate the full set of skills learned by the trainees.

Timelines and Contract

The base contract execution period is expected to begin on January 15, 2026 at the contractor's facility. Officials intend to award a firm-fixed-price contract for the training services, reserved for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small-Business set aside.

This step underscores the rapid integration of consumer and homemade drone technology into elite military operations, ensuring that U.S. special forces maintain a tactical advantage in an evolving warfare landscape.