[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 110 (Thursday, June 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE MARINE CORPS ATTACK DRONE TEAM KINETIC STRIKE 
                             DEMONSTRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2025

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
exceptional work of the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team based in 
Quantico, Virginia, for their groundbreaking achievement in conducting 
the first-ever armed First-Person View (FPV) kinetic strike 
demonstration by the Marines in the continental United States. This 
milestone event took place during a live-fire exercise on April 25, 
2025.
  These Devil Dogs used a leading-edge FPV drone integrated with an 
anti-personnel fragmentation payload, which can support other modular 
payloads, which exhibited the flexible and scalable solution in 
contemporary warfare our military urgently requires.
  The results were impressive. The drone engaged and neutralized every 
target in the strike zone, illustrating not only the technical 
effectiveness of the platform, but its immense strategic value in high-
risk, operational environments.
  This capability comes at a time when global conflict is redefining 
how wars are fought. Today, over 70 percent of the causalities in 
Ukraine are from these types of drones. The recent coordinated drone 
strikes carried out by Ukraine against Russian military infrastructure 
are a clear signal: low-cost, highly adaptable drones are reshaping the 
modern battlefield. America must be prepared. This demonstration by our 
Marines shows we are not just responding, but leading. As we scale up 
our investment in unmanned systems, we must prioritize solutions that 
are fast, flexible, and affordable.
  By equipping our Armed forces with reliable, mission-ready tools that 
can be rapidly deployed and continuously improved, we will maintain 
both deterrence and dominance. The Marines at Quantico are proving that 
innovation doesn't require complexity or high cost; rather, it requires 
bold thinking and dedicated execution.
  After 25 years in the Army, I recognize the uniquely critical 
importance of innovation, readiness, and a steadfast commitment to 
success. These Marines modeled all of that and more.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending these 
Marines for their bravery, professionalism, and pioneering 
accomplishments with respect to operational drone warfare.
  Their service is indicative of an evolving, strong, and adaptable 
U.S. military and I hope they serve as an inspiration to all Americans.

                          ____________________