UAS Training in Action: How Target Based Practice Strengthen Drone Defence Readiness
Modern operational environments increasingly feature small unmanned aerial systems operating at low altitude, high variability, and short engagement distances. As a result, UAS training has become a critical component of modern force readiness. To meet this requirement, training systems must support realistic drone-behaviour simulation, high-volume repetitions, and integration into existing small-unit drills.
Clay-based airborne targets provide an accessible and reliable method for strengthening close-range last line of defence training while maintaining cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
Why UAS training requires dynamic and repeatable airborne targets
Small drones introduce unique tactical challenges. They are manoeuvrable, visually small, and capable of approaching from unpredictable angles. Conventional training tools or static targets fail to reproduce these characteristics. Effective counter-UAS training therefore requires:
- Dynamic flight profiles
- Irregular airborne motion
- Rapid scenario turnover
- Compatibility with outdoor ranges
- Safe, non-electronic target behaviour
Nordic Clays’ target based system meets these needs by generating naturally variable airborne trajectories that support realistic close-range engagements without relying on recoverable aerial platforms.
How clay-launched targets support realistic drone defence training
Unpredictable airborne trajectories
Nordic Clays’ target design produces irregular movement patterns, offering training stimuli similar to the unpredictable motion associated with small, manually guided or wind-affected drones. This variability requires personnel to track, adjust, and respond under conditions that resemble real low-altitude UAS behaviour.
Adjustable launch parameters for scenario diversity
Variables such as launch angle, elevation, spin, and propulsion force allow instructors to present different threat profiles. This flexibility enables structured UAS training blocks ranging from slow approach patterns to rapid pop-up aerial movements.
High repetition rates for skill reinforcement
Whereas traditional UAV-based training demands recovery, battery management, airspace coordination, and hardware protection, clay targets can be launched repeatedly with minimal downtime. This facilitates:
- Reflex-building drills
- Shot-timing and lead practice
- Multi-engagement training
- Continuous small-unit rotations
Such repetition is crucial for the last line of defence readiness. And much more cost effective than shooting down live drone assets for training purposes.
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Integrating clay-based systems into small-unit C-UAS training
1. Detection-to-engagement drills
Small-unit teams can integrate Nordic Clays targets into exercises that test visual acquisition, communication timing, and distributed response behaviour. Because target flight paths vary naturally, personnel must adapt quickly, an essential part of drone defence training.
2. Reaction-time and engagement sequencing
Clay targets allow units to rehearse short-notice engagements. This includes practising transitions between surveillance, observation, weapon readiness, and fire protocols. These drills replicate the rapid, compressed timelines of real UAV encounters.
3. Coordination with layered defence concepts
In a layered counter-UAS architecture, the final and last line of defence layer relies on manual engagement at short range(<100 m). Target based practice allows this final step, where automated systems no longer guarantee interception, to be practised at high frequency, strengthening the resilience of the broader defensive system.
4. Integration with range safety and existing infrastructure
Target-based systems do not require restricted airspace, UAV operators, or EMI-safe environments. They can be used on standard shooting ranges or field training areas, enabling tailored counter-UAS training modules without restructuring existing training infrastructure.
Environmental and logistical benefits for UAS training programmes
Bio-compatible training materials
Nordic Clays’ biodegradable clays break down naturally after impact, reducing environmental impact during high-volume training cycles. This supports sustainability requirements increasingly emphasised in defence procurement and training regulation across the globe.
Low maintenance and simple logistics
Because the system requires no electronics, batteries, or controlled storage, logistical complexity remains low. Units can deploy target training quickly, repeatedly, and without specialised personnel.
Operational value in modern drone defence readiness
The operational environment continues to shift toward smaller, more numerous aerial platforms. Units that train only with static targets or scripted UAV flight patterns risk failing to develop the adaptability required for real engagements. Clay-launched targets introduce variability, volume, and realism. Three components essential for an effective last layer C-UAS training.
By embedding clay-based drills into small-unit rotations, forces gain:
- Improved reaction timing
- Enhanced target tracking
- Higher familiarity with moving airborne threats
- Greater resilience in high-stress engagements
These benefits contribute directly to more robust close-range counter-UAS capability.
UAS threats require training target systems that are dynamic, repeatable, and grounded in realistic airborne motion. Clay-launched targets provide an effective solution for strengthening the close-range component of drone defence readiness. Their unpredictable trajectories, environmental responsibility, and logistical simplicity make them well suited for integration into small-unit and layered defence training.
Contact us to explore how clay-target systems can support structured, scalable UAS training modules across military units.