Oct 15, 2025 12:09 PM
ABE 1.01 is a modular, soldier-built drone costing about $750, assembled in 20 minutes, and built at Fort Campbell.
The US Army’s 101st Airborne Division is moving fast to bring small-unit drone innovation to the battlefield.
Its newly established Robotics and Autonomous Integration Directorate (RAID) has introduced the ABE 1.01, a modular, low-cost unmanned aircraft system (UAS) built to let soldiers take direct control of battlefield tech.
At around $750 per unit, the ABE 1.01 is a fraction of the cost of comparable commercial drones, which typically average $2,400.
Read the full story on NextGen Defense: US Army Rolls Out Soldier-Built Tactical Drone With Rapid 20-Minute Build
US Army•UAS•United States•technology•autonomous aerial vehicle•Autonomous drone flight•autonomous drone
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