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U.S. Air Force Launches Game of Drones Program for Industry Testing
The U.S. Air Force is hosting recurring drone and counter-drone war games at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Private companies can test systems of various sizes with military experts during week-long exercises.
May 17, 7:43 PM·1m read1 source
ForbesAudio version
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The U.S. Air Force is running a program called Game of Drones that lets private companies test drone and counter-drone systems at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The initiative began in December 2025 and will continue with different themes throughout the year. Companies bring their equipment and work directly with Air Force personnel during the exercises.
Game of Drones event lasts one week.
Companies first demonstrate their systems to establish performance baselines, then participate in simulated combat scenarios. Scenarios have included contested logistics and drone mothership operations. The next event is scheduled for the week of July 13, 2026.
Force Base provides large airspace and data collection resources for the tests. Companies receive real-time feedback from military operators during the exercises. The program focuses on systems ranging from small quadcopters to larger Group 3 drones weighing up to 1,350 pounds.
Military officials have expressed interest in signals intelligence, reconnaissance, logistics delivery, and counter-drone capabilities. U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Thomas said the program helps vendors improve technology before competing for contracts.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Vorgert said the goal is to create a persistent experimentation environment where industry and government partners can test small drone technology and counter-UAS systems.
