UAV Target Systems: How Our Targets Simulate Drone Flight for Military Training

Small drones have become a dominant threat in both reconnaissance and attack roles. Their low altitude, maneuverability, and unpredictable movement patterns make them difficult to detect and even harder to neutralize at close range.

A modern UAV target surrogate must therefore:

• behave like a real unmanned aerial vehicle
  
  
• support rapid and repeated engagements
  
  
• allow low-cost, high-intensity training
  
  
• work safely across varied terrain
  
  
• pair with existing weapon systems and protocols
  

Traditional target systems: Static silhouettes, steel plates, or other static targets do not replicate the speed and unpredictability of real-world UAV behavior. Our target based system bridges this capability gap by providing dynamic, airborne training stimuli that force operators to track, react, and fire under realistic close encounter conditions. Without blowing the budget on live UAV’s. The perfect middle ground for different phases of operational drone defence training.

A UAV rarely flies in a straight, predictable line. It dips behind terrain, banks during approach, or quickly changes direction. Our target and launch systems replicate this by:

• Customizable launch angle and trajectory.
  
• Varying target speed (34-62.5 mph)
  
• Controlling release timing
  

These adjustments create lifelike drone target simulation patterns that mimic UAV behaviors - especially the sudden, aggressive movements seen in low-altitude attack runs. By deploying multiple targets at different angles, trajectories and speeds, you get as close to the erratic movement as possible, without using expensive swarm drones and other important assets in training.

Our target based systems match different ranges of speed by allowing fine control over launch velocity. Operators can amongst others simulate:

• Fast-approaching kamikaze trajectories
  
• Crossing targets
  
• Close to ground encounters
  

This trains soldiers to estimate distance, speed, and lead time, all essential skills in anti-UAS encounters in the last line of defense.

Drones rarely fly smoothly in combat conditions. They wobble in the wind, tilt during acceleration, and vibrate during maneuvering. Our targets naturally emulate this:

• Gyroscopic spin creates wobble
  
• Asymmetric airflow causes drift
  
• Variable rotation simulates instability
  

The result is a target that behaves like a real UAV struggling against wind, adjusting payload, or performing evasive maneuvers, ideal for close-encounter anti-UAS exercises and a layered drone defence.

Live UAV training comes with limitations:

• Long setup times
  
• Risk of hardware loss
  
• High cost per target hit (25 to 500 $)
  
• Restricted airspace
  
• Battery constraints
  
• High cost per flight

To get a gauge of the full cost of this complete setup, read our article on anti drone system cost analysis.

Target based UAV defence systems solve this by enabling:

• No setup time
  
• Hundreds of targets launches per session
  
• Low cost per target hit
  
• Rapid reset cycles
  
• Safe operation at standard target ranges
  
• No loss of expensive live UAV assets

Repetition builds reflexes, improves shot placement, and conditions operators to accurately track moving aerial targets. Which is exactly what you need for the last line of defence against drones.

A live-drone exercise often costs thousands once equipment, batteries, transport, and maintenance are included. Our target based systems cost less than 1 $ per launch, enabling large-scale exercises and high-volume training across all relevant units, without demanding logistics.

Our targets are inert, biodegradable, and require no:

• Special storage
  
• Hazardous materials handling
  
• Classified flight approvals

They can be deployed on standard ranges without airspace conflicts or risk of losing control of a real UAV.

Our targets don’t:

• Malfunction mid-air
  
• Lose connection
  
• Deviate due to software behavior
  
• Crash unpredictably
  

This consistency makes them ideal for structured training, qualification programs, and skill progression along the ranks.

UAV threats evolve quickly. Forces must train for:

• FPV kamikaze drones
  
• Low-and-slow ISR drones
  
• Swarm-style saturation attacks
  
• Close-in ambush flights
  
• Terrain-hugging approach profiles
  

Our target based UAV training system allows units to practice these scenarios safely and repeatedly, ensuring operators are prepared for dynamic engagements under pressure.

At ranges under 300 ft, forces rely on point-blank defence systems and operator accuracy to neutralize threats that have slipped through the outer layers of defence. Our product line is purpose-built for this layer:

• Rapid deployment
  
• Realistic moving targets
  
• High-volume repetition
  
• Cost-effective training cycles
  
• Environmentally responsible materials
  

This directly strengthens the last line of defence in any layered counter-UAS architecture.

Effective anti-UAS training requires targets that behave like real drones - unpredictable, fast, and airborne. Nordic Clays delivers UAV target systems that simulate authentic UAV movement patterns while remaining safe, affordable, and logistically smart.

Contact us to explore how our UAV targets can upgrade your anti-drone training program.