The idea of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: the US Army is testing blood delivery by drones
During a demonstration as part of the Swift Response 2025 exercise, a US Army drone dropped simulated blood on a simulated battlefield in Lithuania. The event took place on 15 May at the Pabrade training ground.
Here's What We Know
A TRV-150 drone was used to demonstrate the capabilities of airborne supply. Its task was to deliver critical medical supplies (category VIII) directly to the front line. The event took place as part of DEFENDER 25, the largest annual US Army exercise in Europe.
According to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command, DEFENDER 25 involves about 25,000 troops from 29 NATO and partner countries. The exercise includes three parallel operations - Swift Response, Immediate Response and Saber Guardian - in 15 countries from 11 May to 24 June, aimed at strengthening NATO's interoperability and testing rapid deployment of troops and command structures in complex multi-domain environments.
A package of medical supplies dropped from a drone. Illustration: Elena Baladelli.
The delivery of simulated blood has become a landmark example of new logistics solutions for the frontline, especially in conditions where conventional evacuation of the wounded is impossible. The demonstration showed the potential of unmanned systems to support medical operations and increase the chances of survival for the wounded.
This innovation was partially borrowed by the US from Ukraine. Earlier, the publication reported that Ukrainian forces were the first in the world to use drones to deliver blood in active hostilities. In particular, a drone delivered blood for an urgent transfusion to a wounded soldier of the 14th separate mechanised brigade "Chervona Kalyna" near Pokrovske, where medical aid could not reach due to intense shelling.
Source: Defence Blog
