British Army procures 10,000 drones for pilot training

The British Army has procured more than 10,000 drones over the past year through Project Rapstone, a fast-track procurement program designed to move equipment from industry to the front line within 24 months.

Most of these aircraft are intended for training rather than immediate combat. The program prioritizes developing skilled pilots over purchasing large quantities of the latest hardware, as drone technology in conflict zones like Ukraine can become obsolete within weeks. Training involves learning to fly first-person-view (FPV) drones manually without the use of GPS or flight aids, a method described by officials as ‘the hardest way to fly’ to ensure soldiers can operate in electronic warfare environments.

Project Rapstone is part of a broader effort to double the Army’s fighting power by 2027. Recent investments include a £16 million deal for various drone models and a £50 million allocation for FPV and interceptor drones as part of a larger £5 billion drone package.