OUSW(R&E) and USNDA Launch National Drone Wars™ for Top Military Operators
News related to:OUSW(R&E) and USNDA · 2 min read
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) and the United States National Drone Association (USNDA) have announced a significant shift in their partnership, marking a new era in military drone operations. The Top Drone™ program, previously managed by OUSW(R&E), is now transitioning to USNDA, which will host the National Drone Wars™ and Drone Crucibles as the primary venues for identifying America's top drone operators.
The National Drone Wars™, a competitive event, will pit military drone teams from various services against each other in scenario-based missions. These missions are designed to push operators to their limits, operating in complex electronic warfare environments, across diverse terrains, and in both offensive and defensive engagements. The goal is to identify the most skilled and innovative operators capable of operating in contested environments and across multiple domains.
The first National Drone Wars™ competition will take place at an undisclosed CONUS DoD installation in the first quarter of 2027. The event will invite operators from three classes: Service Academies, Conventional Forces, and Special Operations. The competition will utilize platforms from the Drone Dominance Program and Swarm Forge Program, with support from industry and academic partners through the USNDA Arms Room.
The transition from OUSW(R&E) to USNDA is part of a broader initiative to enhance American drone dominance. This initiative, as outlined in Executive Order 14307, aims to unleash American drone dominance by integrating drone capabilities into all relevant combat training. The Secretary of War's directive, issued on July 10, 2025, further emphasizes the importance of operator-led drone competitions to ensure readiness and innovation.
Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael stated, "Achieving American drone dominance is about more than scaling lethal capabilities.
The competition will be administered by an interservice operator-led Warfighter Advisory Group, ensuring that the criteria and missions are relevant and challenging. USNDA President Nathan Ecelbarger emphasized the importance of competition in identifying gaps in talent and capability, stating, "War has always been the most transparent baseline of warfighter readiness. The second most transparent baseline is through competition, in advance of war."
The first OCONUS Drone Crucible, an extension of the National Drone Wars™, will take place in Germany in November, inviting drone teams from Ukraine's Special Operations Forces and other NATO partners. This event underscores the international nature of the competition and the growing importance of drone technology in modern warfare.
This transition marks a significant step in the evolution of military drone operations, focusing on operator readiness and innovation. As the competition scales, it aims to drive the development of advanced drone capabilities and ensure that the military remains at the forefront of drone technology.