23 June 2025
The Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team won its fourth Military International Drone Racing Tournament last month.
The three-day event was held on the grounds of the refurbished Atlas-F missile silo facility in the Adirondack Mountains in upper New York State, incorporating decommissioned tanks, trucks and a helicopter.
Thirty-seven pilots represented teams from the ADF, United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States in qualifying heats that culminated in an elimination final series.
In their first appearance at the tournament, the US pilots took second place in the team event and had the individual fastest pilot.
The ADF’s fastest pilot, Private Hamish Glover, placed second in the individual fastest pilot competition and Australian Army Cadet, Cadet Sergeant Angus Porter, placed third overall. Six of the ADF pilots made it through to the top 10.
ADF team captain Corporal Daniel McCullock said it was incredible to compete in such a technologically advanced sport in a unique location.
“It has been a fantastic week of racing, teamwork and excitement,” Corporal McCullock said.
“To have six pilots make it through to the top 10 in the world is an incredible achievement and testament to the dedication and skill of our drone racers.”
'Drone racing requires so many skills that are transferable in all aspects of life and work.'
Three of the fastest Army Cadet drone racers only started to fly drones at the start of last year.
Cadet Sergeant Angus Porter and Cadet Under Officer Zach Melvaine finished in the top four of the ADF team.
“To be here as part of the drone racing team is just an incredible experience,” Cadet Under Officer Melvaine said.
President of the ADF Drone Racing Team, Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, said its success was testament to the dedication and efforts of the pilots who continued to improve their skills to remain competitive in such a dynamic and fast-paced sport.
“Drone racing requires so many skills that are transferable in all aspects of life and work,” Wing Commander Joyce said.
“Our military drone racers have to be at the top of their game to compete against the world’s best. To win the title for a fourth time is a testament to the dedication, commitment and skill of our pilots, and the investment we have made in our cadet program.”
Drone racing is an authorised sport in the ADF.
For more information, visit the Army Drone Racing Team Facebook page or email adra.secretary@defence.gov.au
