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exercise2026-08-05 23:14 UTC🇺🇸 USS Essex transiting toward RIMPAC 2026; later flown during RIMPAC 2026 counter-drone exercise in Hawaii
Firestorm Labs 3D-prints Squall FPV drones aboard USS Essex en route to RIMPAC 2026
Firestorm Labs used its containerized xCell microfactory to manufacture parts and assemble 12 3D-printable FPV Squall drones aboard USS Essex while at sea. The drones were later flown as adversary aircraft during a counter-drone exercise at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii.
DETAILS
Type
exercise
Occurred
2026-08-05 23:14
Reported
2026-08-05
Location
USS Essex transiting toward RIMPAC 2026; later flown during RIMPAC 2026 counter-drone exercise in Hawaii
Coordinates
19.5938, -155.4284
Confidence
72 / 100
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
No damage reported; drones produced and used as adversary aircraft in an exercise.
SOURCES