The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed its largest-ever coordinated drone swarm, featuring over 100 autonomous systems flying for 560 hours during “Exercise Wallaby.”
In total, more than 200 drones are being fielded across different phases of the exercise, flying in coordinated formations to generate 3D maps and relay situational data across the battlespace.
The trial also tested how these systems link into Singapore’s existing digital command network, acting as airborne 5G relay nodes to extend communications and data sharing over wider areas.
“The army is moving towards drones because we want to protect the lives of our soldiers,” Trials Safety Lead Teo Liang Kai said in an interview with Channel News Asia. “[We can also use] these drones to conduct our operations more effectively and efficiently.”
By streamlining control through autonomous coordination, the SAF showed that large formations can be managed with precision, with a single operator able to command a fleet of up to 200 drones while troops remain safely behind the line.
‘Mothership’ Drone
At the center of the demonstration is the DefendTex D155, a multi-role “mothership” platform carrying up to eight smaller drones that can fan out to conduct independent surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Powered by a NVIDIA module, it can fly for 90 minutes at ranges up to 60 kilometers (37 miles), supporting AI-assisted targeting and autonomous decision-making.
It can also be outfitted with laser designators, electronic warfare payloads, and sensor packages tailored to the mission.
Each of its smaller drones unfold into quadcopters that can be equipped with electro-optical infrared cameras, signal jammers, or even kinetic munitions to strike an area.
Together, they form a layered, modular drone ecosystem designed to scout or strike targets with greater flexibility and lower costs than traditional systems.
