tech
February 22, 2026
Army's first drone warfighter competition crowns winners
Soldiers from across the country descended on Huntsville, Alabama, this week to demonstrate their ability to operate drones and the innovations they have developed based on their needs and experiences.
TL;DR
- The Army hosted its first Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Competitions included Best Operator, Best Hunter-Killer Team, and Best Innovation.
- Sgt. Javon Purchner won the Best Operator competition.
- Staff Sgt. Angel Caliz and Spc. Jonah Burks won the Best Hunter-Killer Team event.
- A team from the 28th Infantry Division won Best Innovation with Project R.E.D., a drone recovery system.
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll emphasized the importance of soldier-driven innovation.
- Winning teams received prototypes and research-and-development agreements.
Continue reading the original article