7th Army Training Command hosts the first U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8-10, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The multinational competition assesses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operator capabilities from 10 USAREUR-AF, Allied and Partner nation units, and reinforces the U.S. Army’s commitment to innovation and readiness while building esprit des corps and camaraderie. The winning team will move forward to compete in the U.S. Army’s BDWC, scheduled in 2026.
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 7th Army Training Command hosts the first U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8-10, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The multinational competition assesses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operator capabilities from 10 USAREUR-AF, Allied and Partner nation units, and reinforces the U.S. Army’s commitment to innovation and readiness while building esprit des corps and camaraderie. The winning team will move forward to compete in the U.S. Army’s BDWC, scheduled in 2026. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Bailey) VIEW ORIGINAL
7th Army Training Command hosts the first U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8-10, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The multinational competition assesses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operator capabilities from 10 USAREUR-AF, Allied and Partner nation units, and reinforces the U.S. Army’s commitment to innovation and readiness while building esprit des corps and camaraderie. The winning team will move forward to compete in the U.S. Army’s BDWC, scheduled in 2026.
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 7th Army Training Command hosts the first U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8-10, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The multinational competition assesses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operator capabilities from 10 USAREUR-AF, Allied and Partner nation units, and reinforces the U.S. Army’s commitment to innovation and readiness while building esprit des corps and camaraderie. The winning team will move forward to compete in the U.S. Army’s BDWC, scheduled in 2026. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Dylan Bailey) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers complete a vehicle identification exam during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 8, 2025. The competition reinforces the Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, while also building esprit de corps and camaraderie.
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers complete a vehicle identification exam during the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 8, 2025. The competition reinforces the Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, while also building esprit de corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Adrian Greenwood) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Brig. Gen. Terry Tillis, commanding general of the 7th Army Training Command, welcomed teams competing in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Brig. Gen. Terry Tillis, commanding general of the 7th Army Training Command, welcomed teams competing in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition, Dec. 8, 2025, in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Adrian Greenwood) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Ten teams are competing in the first U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition at 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 8-10, 2025.

The 7ATC is hosting the multinational USAREUR-AF’s Best Drone Warfighter Competition to test and showcase unmanned aerial system operator capabilities, and serve as a visible culmination of experimentation, readiness and transformational warfighting initiatives to ensure participating U.S., allied and partner soldiers are trained, tested and ready to deploy modern UAS capabilities in complex operational environments.

“It’s pretty exceptional that although we're competing: we're friends, we're partners, we're allies,” said Brig. Gen. Terry Tillis, 7ATC commander, during the opening ceremony.

"There’s a larger picture," Tillis added. "It’s not just about flying UAS. It’s about utilizing the UAS as integrated enablers to achieve desired effects. It's about UAS facilitating the combined arms maneuvers of our ground forces into a position of advantage so they can seize and hold terrain.”

The winning U.S. Army team will go on to compete in the U.S. Army’s Best Drone Warfighter Competition in 2026.

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition will take place from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Collin Mackall)

U.S. Army units permanently stationed in Europe and competing in the USAREUR-AF Best Drone Warfighter Competition include 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, 7ATC; 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa; 2nd Cavalry Regiment, V Corps; and 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

U.S. Army units rotationally deployed to the USAREUR-AF theater under V Corps who are also competing include 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; and 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.

International teams from Italy and Spain are also competing.

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Ian Macneill, Sgt. Zachariah Souza, Sgt. Deshawn Malone and Spc. Ruben Miller from the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
1 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Ian Macneill, Sgt. Zachariah Souza, Sgt. Deshawn Malone and Spc. Ruben Miller from the 3rd Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Spc. Skylor Gibbs, Spc Douglas Benton, Staff Sgt. Eric Navarro and Spc. Sean Kirby from the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
2 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Spc. Skylor Gibbs, Spc Douglas Benton, Staff Sgt. Eric Navarro and Spc. Sean Kirby from the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Jacob Owens, Warrant Officer Xgard Flores and Sgt. Anthony Karl from the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
3 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Jacob Owens, Warrant Officer Xgard Flores and Sgt. Anthony Karl from the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features OR-4 Stefano Cataldi, OR-4 Paolo Porretia, OF-2 Giovanni Addario and OR-4 Davide Mitidieri from the 41st IMINT Regiment "Cordenons". Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
4 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features OR-4 Stefano Cataldi, OR-4 Paolo Porretia, OF-2 Giovanni Addario and OR-4 Davide Mitidieri from the 41st IMINT Regiment "Cordenons". Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Damian Alvear and Spc. Logan Weathers from the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
5 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Damian Alvear and Spc. Logan Weathers from the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Dustin Jacobs, Pfc. Enrique Bispo, Staff Sgt. Garrick Anderson and Spc. Samuel Hampton from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall)
6 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Dustin Jacobs, Pfc. Enrique Bispo, Staff Sgt. Garrick Anderson and Spc. Samuel Hampton from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Angel Caliz, Sgt. Tobias Kohl, Spc. Jonah Burks and Staff Sgt. Dalton Kastner from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall)
7 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Staff Sgt. Angel Caliz, Sgt. Tobias Kohl, Spc. Jonah Burks and Staff Sgt. Dalton Kastner from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Carlos Caballero, Spc. Andrew Santana and Sgt. Jacob Seal from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
8 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features Sgt. Carlos Caballero, Spc. Andrew Santana and Sgt. Jacob Seal from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL
The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features OR-3 Jesus Veroesto, OR-6 Jiwenez Fernandez, OF-1 Carlos Castro, OR-7 Juan Manuel La Parra, OR-2 Sergio, Rivas and OR-2 Jesus Guillerac Rubio from the Spanish Legion Brigade. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie.
9 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition features OR-3 Jesus Veroesto, OR-6 Jiwenez Fernandez, OF-1 Carlos Castro, OR-7 Juan Manuel La Parra, OR-2 Sergio, Rivas and OR-2 Jesus Guillerac Rubio from the Spanish Legion Brigade. Teams from the U.S., Spain and Italy will compete in the competition from Dec. 8-10, 2025 in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. The competition assesses unmanned aerial systems operator capabilities from the U.S., Spain and Italy, and reinforces the U.S. Army's commitment to innovation and readiness, and builds esprit des corps and camaraderie. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army graphic by Sgt. Collin Mackall) VIEW ORIGINAL

Each team has two to six Soldiers, including a short-range reconnaissance drone team and a first-person view drone team.

Teams are scored over three days of graded activities including a written UAS knowledge exam, and two training scenarios conducted on a variety of Soldier skills within a time limit.

One lane focuses on their tactic abilities to carry out an aerial reconnaissance and strike mission using a variety of small UAS platforms against an enemy force in an urban environment, including establishing camouflage and security.

The second lane tests aerial land navigation, accuracy and maneuverability of a first-person view drone through an obstacle course to clear and secure a trench, as well as team cohesion on decision making during a call-for-fire mission.

Teams are using a variety of issued and self-built drones including variations of Skydio x2d, ORQA FPV, DJI Mavic, DJI Avata, Vantage Vesper, Purpose Built Attritable System (PBAS).

7ATC is the premiere training organization, providing high-quality, realistic training like this competition for USAREUR-AF forces as well as multinational allies and partners.