EWDARDS AIR FORCE BASE — The 412th Test Wing’s Experimental Test Force hosted another edition of “Game of Drones” at Edwards North Base, Sept. 15-18. In collaboration with the Defense Contract Management Agency’s US-X, GoD 26-3 saw hundreds of attendees from industry partners, government agencies and international allies experiment with low-cost, small unmanned aircraft systems utilizing the vast airspace and land resources available across the Edwards installation.
The fourth edition of “Game of Drones,” the quarterly event is aimed at rapidly evaluating new sUAS technologies for the warfighter to increase the approved Blue List as the Department of War looks to meet its Drone Dominance initiative.
Thermopylae demonstrates their SPART deployable interceptor platform, by launching a UAS from a pneumatic tube during “Game of Drones” 26-3 at Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 17. The interceptor was demonstrating integration with Picogrid’s expeditionary C2 node, which relays information from radar to operator, providing the pilot with data to accurately target other airborne sUAS or aircraft. — Air Force photo by James West
Within less than one calendar year from its inaugural event, “Game of Drones” has hosted 45 unique vendors, more than 10 government organizations and nearly 1,000 attendees representing 19 distinct career fields. These statistics represent how the test enterprise can respond to urgent warfighter needs immediately, without impact to ongoing national priorities.
Gryson Gardner, CTO and Co-founder AG3 Labs, demonstrates the Spade FPV UAS flying through the historic tunnels under Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 17. This demonstration showcased effective, highly controllable flight through a narrow environment using advanced flight controls. — Air Force photo by James West
The next event is anticipated for December 2026.
CHASE KOHLER is part of the public affairs staff of the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base.
Edwards AFB news release originally published on Oct. 1, 2026