The Australian Defence Force (ADF) drone racers have retained their title for the fourth time, after winning in 2018, 2023, 2024 and now in 2025, at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament in upper New York State this past May.
The ADF drone racers had travelled to the United States to compete in the second Military International Drone Racing Tournament (MIDRT) to be held outside Australia. Military drone racing teams from Singapore, the United Kingdom and the US competed in the three-day event held at a repurposed ATLAS-F missile silo site.
In the final series, the ADF drone racers had managed to get ahead of the US and took out the Champion Military Team award.
“It has been a fantastic week of racing, teamwork and excitement. To have the opportunity to be in the US to compete against the best military drone racing teams in the world is a huge thrill and then to win for the fourth time is really just amazing,” Army team captain, Corporal Dan McCullock, said.
Three of the fastest Australian Army Cadet drone racers had joined the ADF drone racers team, despite them only starting to fly drones at the start of 2024. They had participated in the contest right up until the MIDRT finals. Cadet Sergeant Angus Porter and Cadet Under Officer Zach Melvaine both finished in the top four Australians.
“To be here as part of the Drone Racing Team is just an incredible experience. We have been able to share our passion and interest in drone racing,” Cadet Under Officer Melvaine stated.
President of the ADF Drone Racing Team, Wing Commander Keirin Joyce described the opportunity for the drone racers to compete on an international stage as a huge step forward for the sport. He believed it was a testament to the dedication and efforts by the drone racing pilots to continue to improve their skills to remain competitive in such a dynamic and fast-paced sport.
“Drone racing requires so many skills that are transferable in all aspects of life and work. Our military drone racers have to be at the top of their game to compete against the world’s best. To win the title for a fourth time is a testament to the dedication, commitment and skill of our pilots, and the investment we’ve made in our Cadet program,” Wing Commander Joyce commented.
The ADF Drone Racing Teams has continued to focus on youth engagement and STEM pathways supporting events in collaboration with cadets and defence recruiting to share their passion for drones to the public.
But where to next?
The next events that the general public can see the drone racing team at are:
- Science Alive! Adelaide, 1-3 Aug 25
- ADFA Open Day, Canberra, 16 Aug 25
- Temora Youth Aviation Day, 06 Sep 25
- RAAF Richmond 100thBirthday Airshow, 27-28 Sep 25
- National Championships, Brisbane, 8-11 Oct 25
The team will be looking to defend their championship title at MIDRT_UK25 in London, in mid-September.