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The Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team has won its eighth Military International Drone Racing Tournament in the UK in September, with a Ukrainian team competing for the first time.
The Australian team competed against teams from France, Germany, New Zealand, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, the UK and the US.
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The latest Military International Drone Racing Tournament (MIDRT) event moved beyond conventional racing, with teams competing in a tactical event incorporating an intercept, bomb drop and assault course.
Ukraine’s presence reinforced one of the key purposes of MIDRT, which is to create an environment where drone pilots, military personnel and industry can exchange knowledge about the development and practical application of uncrewed aerial system technology.
Each team of four pilots competed against the clock, combining speed and precision with tactical judgement and accurate aircraft control.
Pilots were required to intercept fixed-wing aircraft, navigate a complex assault course and deliver simulated munitions against multiple targets.
ADF drone pilot and Geelong-based Army reservist Private Hamish Glover again dominated the competition, taking out first place as the fastest military drone pilot.
PTE Glover said the tournament provided an opportunity for pilots to not only represent the ADF but to learn from the experiences of other drone pilots.
“Drone racing develops skills that are relevant to the warfighter,” he said.
“Skills that can transfer into operational environments where an uncrewed system may be required to perform a mission in a complex, contested or rapidly changing environment.
“We are extremely proud to have won the tournament again.
“Our mission is simple: race hard, learn fast and continue to build the skills needed for the warfighter.”
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