The Philippine Army (PA) said it was stepping deeper into drone warfare training, warning that future conflicts will be shaped by technology and forces that fail to adjust risk being left behind.

This was stressed by Major General Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), during the Drone Racing Fellowship 2026 hosted by the 2ID on Saturday, May 16, at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

The event gathered personnel from some of the Army’s elite and specialized units including the First Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Light Reaction Regiment, Reserve Command, Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, and other specialized units.

Participants maneuvered drones through aerial obstacle courses after undergoing track walkthroughs, practice flights, and qualifying rounds designed to test precision, focus, control, and split-second decision-making under pressure.

“Tomorrow’s operations will demand not only courage in the field, but also adaptability in technology. We must continue learning, evolving, and preparing our personnel for the changing operational environment. If we will not adapt, we will fail,” Zagala said.

The 2ID stressed that militaries worldwide are increasingly relying on drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and battlefield coordination.

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown how relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial systems can alter combat operations and challenge traditional military tactics.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also been expanding its use of drone technology in recent years, particularly in intelligence gathering and internal security operations against insurgent groups.

Army units have used drones to monitor remote terrain, improve situational awareness, and support combat missions without exposing troops directly to danger.

Zagala said the military could no longer treat drone systems as optional tools.

“Drone technology is already here. Future wars will be fought with it, and our ability to harness it will provide a differentiation,” he said.

The Drone Racing Fellowship 2026 formed part of the 2ID’s continuing effort to sustain gains in internal security operations while preparing troops for external defense missions and future battlefield demands, according to Zagala.