Working with Ukrainian troops convinced this elite British Army infantry battalion to go all in on drones
Business Insider
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An elite British Army battalion, the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards, is significantly increasing its focus on drones following its collaboration with Ukrainian troops during Operation Interflex. The unit has transformed its training to integrate drone warfare more effectively, building a drone obstacle course and establishing a "drone hub" for repairs, virtual training, and even 3D printing of drone parts. Currently, 78 out of 300 soldiers in the battalion are qualified as drone operators, with plans to expand this number further. The commander, Lt. Col. Ben Irwin-Clark, emphasized how Ukrainian troops shared valuable insights, particularly their experience in using drones at scale during the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine's extensive use of drones has reshaped modern warfare, prompting Western militaries like the UK and US to rethink their strategies. The British battalion learned directly from Ukrainian soldiers, who brought frontline knowledge and skills that proved highly influential. For instance, the battalion adopted practices such as setting flight-hour targets and using anti-drone nets. These innovations highlight how drones have become a critical tool in contemporary combat, requiring soldiers to be experts in their
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/15/2026