Florida officials have seized over 500 Chinese drones, which are now set to serve a new purpose. Rather than being destroyed, these drones will be repurposed for military training exercises, providing U.S. troops with hands-on experience in neutralizing enemy technologies.

According to Bloomberg News, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) plans to shoot down these quadcopter drones using shotguns. This exercise is designed to enhance the skills of elite U.S. forces, preparing them to effectively confront and disable adversarial drones.

These training exercises, known as the Military Drone Crucible, are scheduled to take place from December 4-6 at Camp Blanding. This event is highlighted on the U.S. National Drone Association’s (USNDA) website, underscoring its significance in equipping military personnel with practical drone combat skills.

More than 500 Chinese drones confiscated by Florida officials will be used for military target practice for evaluation and training. (Associated Press)

The Military Drone Crucible training event is scheduled for Dec. 4-6 at Camp Blanding, according to the U.S. National Drone Association’s (USNDA) website.

The event will feature training sessions focused on clearing a room with opposing troops present and striking an enemy convoy.

The Military Drone Crucible training event will take place Dec. 4-6 at Camp Blanding. (Reuters)

“It will be the largest counter-drone destruction event ever held in the United States,” USNDA President Nate Ecelbarger told Bloomberg News.

To date, the largest drone destruction event was held in September, when an electromagnetic weapon was used to take down 49 drones at Camp Atterbury in Indiana, according to Axios.

The U.S. Special Operations Command will shoot the drones down with shotguns. (Reuters)

Navy SEALs, Marines and Army Rangers participated in the Indiana event for training purposes.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration cut red tape to allow mass drone production to compete with Russian and Chinese drone programs.