ADF drone racers go five-straight in UK

The Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team has once again proven they are the team to beat, clinching their fifth consecutive championship at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament (MIDRT_UK25), hosted this year by the UK Forces at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The event saw the ADF racers facing a new wave of new international teams determined to topple the reigning champions. A total of 43 pilots from Australia, UK Forces, New Zealand Defence Force, US Joint Forces plus new teams from Belgium, Germany and the Philippines competed in the three -day competition from 16 to 18 September 2025.

The ADF team battled through a nail-biting double elimination series that saw plenty of mid-air crashes and quick repairs but in the end, the Australian drone pilots’ precision, teamwork and consistency carried them across the finish line and onto the podium once again. “This was the toughest field we’ve faced,” ADF Drone Team Captain, Corporal Daniel McCullock said. “The other teams brought incredible energy and skill, and every race pushed us to the limit. We are really proud to hold onto the title for a fifth time and it shows the level of depth we have in the team.”

Adding to the success, the two fastest drone racers from the Australian Army Cadets competed in the Cadet/Youth category. The success of the cadet drone racers displays the exciting talent emerging in the next generation of drone racers.

The tournament wasn’t just about speed. A new inclusion was the Find and Strike competition set on the combat obstacle course, which tested the pilot’s ability to manoeuvre drones through a complex environment requiring agility, navigation and tactical flying. Drone pilots from Germany and Belgium rose to the challenge and secured victory in that event, showcasing exceptional precision and speed.

While the racing drew the spotlight, MIDRT is just as much about what happens off the track. Between heats, the ADF drone team pilots shared techniques, exchanged lessons learned, and strengthened bonds with their international counterparts. The tournament continues to highlight how sport and technology can combine to foster cooperation and innovation among allied nations.

Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Team said the result reflects not only talent, but the discipline and professionalism of the group.

“Our pilots have shown time and again their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to every challenge. This consistency demonstrates the maturity of FPV drone racing in the ADF and is an insight to how the sport continues to grow in importance, both as competition and as a platform to develop FPV and drone capability,” said Wing Commander Joyce.

For the ADF Drone Racing Team, the fifth straight championship marks another chapter in their remarkable run of success — but with international rivals improving fast, the challenge to stay on top is only set to grow.

EOS is proud to sponsor the team—a partnership that perfectly aligns with our commitment to advancing our counter-drone technologies!

We're excited to support their journey and see them #sendit!