U.S. Army paratroopers test Bumblebee V2 counter-drone system

Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division have conducted initial operational training with a new counter-drone system, the Bumblebee V2, during an exercise at Fort Bragg.

The April 22 event marked the first operational test of the prototype system acquired earlier this year by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401). Held at the Salerno drop zone, the exercise involved 20 paratroopers who used the system and provided feedback on its performance.

According to officials, the system reflects a rapid transfer of technology influenced by developments observed in European conflict zones, offering soldiers early exposure to emerging counter-drone tools.

Focus on automated interception capability

The Bumblebee V2 is an FPV multirotor drone designed to intercept and engage hostile unmanned systems. It incorporates automated target recognition, allowing it to identify and pursue threats with reduced reliance on operator input.

“The [Bumblebee] V2 is a major leap forward because it doesn’t rely solely on the skill of the drone operator,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Kellen Rowley, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Task Force Director. “Its automated target recognition allows the drone to lock on and engage an adversary drone autonomously, letting soldiers focus on situational awareness and tactics.”

During the training, soldiers practiced interpreting sensor, radar and camera data and making rapid decisions on when to deploy interceptor drones. The exercise also focused on foundational skills in both operating unmanned systems and employing countermeasures.

“Just as every soldier is trained in basic rifle marksmanship before handling live rounds, we want to ensure that they can master the fundamentals of UAS operation and employment of passive countermeasures before expecting them to operationally employ an air-to-air interceptor,” Rowley said.

Meeting counter-drone requirements

The Bumblebee V2 program received $5.2 million in funding in February and is designed to meet National Defense Authorization Act requirements. The system includes advanced camera sensors with both wide-angle and narrow-angle views and can operate for up to an hour on a single battery.

“We are seeing prototypes of the V2, with updated cameras, sensors and software for automated target recognition. Its ability to operate all the system’s components simultaneously gives us the tools to develop tactics, techniques and procedures in real time,” said Army Lt. Col. Alex Morse, the Task Force’s Acquisition Lead.

The system was first deployed in March as part of an effort by JIATF-401 to accelerate the delivery of counter-drone capabilities to operational units.

Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Director of the Task Force, said the focus remains on rapidly equipping forces with tools to address evolving aerial threats.

“The Bumblebee V2 provides a cost-effective, reliable interceptor that can neutralize threats without endangering our own forces or surrounding infrastructure,” Ross said. “On the modern battlefield, where drones are a constant threat, having a low-collateral kinetic option is not just an advantage, it is increasingly becoming essential for protecting our forces.”