Marines test explosive attack drones for first time at Japan’s Camp Fuji

U.S. Marines launched explosive one-way attack drones against targets near Mount Fuji, marking the weapon’s first use at a military training facility near Japan’s tallest peak.

U.S. Marines launched explosive one-way attack drones against targets near Mount Fuji. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven Winn explains the capabilities of a Neros Archer Strike drone at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, Oct. 20, 2026. (Song Jordan/U.S. Marine Corps) U.S. Marines recently launched explosive one-way attack drones against targets near Mount Fuji, marking the weapon’s first use at a military training facility near Japan’s tallest peak. Members of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit flew two Neros Archer Strike quadcopters on Oct. 20 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Bilbo said by phone Tuesday. “This is the first time Neros Archers have ever been used at Camp Fuji,” said Bilbo, the installation’s gunner and range control officer.

Equipped with 8-inch rotors, the drones have a range of about 10 miles and can carry a 5-pound payload, according to the manufacturer Neros’ website. California-based Marines test out the Neros Archer Strike drone at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Oct. 20, 2026. (Song Jordan/U.S. Marine Corps) The live-fire training was part of the Fuji Viper exercise series, with drones striking targets positioned on berms, Bilbo said. Members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force observed. One scenario involved a simulated ambush against an armored target, according to a