Technology
Protection, precision and cutting-edge thinking in service of the community.
ESERCITO 1659 DRONE CHALLENGE - Rome 19 and 20 September Pietro Giannattasio Military Hippodrome Tor di Quinto
Precision
meets speed
Would you like to watch the Drone Challenge? Register here to access the event.
Book entryAn initiative of
The project and its mission
The future
takes flight
Esercito 1659 Drone Challenge is the first sporting drone competition bringing together the best civilian and military pilots.
Each pilot takes on a course designed to test skill and concentration.
In Rome, drone technology becomes an opportunity for discovery, training, dialogue and participation for younger generations.
Training
Rigour, discipline and preparation for operating in complex environments.
Values
Courage, leadership, teamwork and a sense of duty.
Rome · 19–20 September 2026
Fourth round of the
Italian Championship
Drone Challenge is the fourth round of the Italian drone racing championship. Italy’s top pilots race FPV drones (First Person View), flown through goggles, on the technical circuit at the Pietro Giannattasio Military Hippodrome.
Explore the programme
10PRO pilots
2race days
FPVfirst person view
Tor di Quinto · Rome
EI 1659
Drone Village
An interactive space for citizens, families and professionals: exhibitions, live experiences, dialogue and new skills.
Live experiences
Flight simulators, Info Team, Military Fitness, climbing and activities to experience the world of drones up close.
Technology on display
UAVs, UGVs, APR systems and innovative solutions presented through people, vehicles and expertise.
Talks and guidance
Talks, information desks and discussions on educational and professional opportunities.
Technology, culture, skills
Technology
on display
Aircraft systems for surveillance, reconnaissance and mapping.
Ground robotics and autonomous systems operating in the field.
Technologies for detecting and countering drone threats.
History, identity and official Zona Militare Club merchandise.
OPEN category and PRO category
The thrill
of competition
Civilians vs Military personnel
Precision meets speed in a high-intensity contest. Two race formats, one shared passion for FPV flight.
16 civilians and 16 military personnel in a contest of readiness and precision.
The fourth round featuring Italy’s top elite pilots.
19–20 September 2026
Two days,
one challenge
Saturday 19
Innovation and qualifying
- 10:00–10:30Drone Village opening, pilots’ briefing and circuit walk-around
- 11:00–11:30Opening ceremony
- FollowingArmy Band performance, addresses by the authorities and presentation by Valentina Bisti (RAI journalist)
- 11:40–12:00Parachute jump by the Army Parachuting Sports Centre
- FollowingArmy Band concert and first and second untimed free practice
- 14:30–15:25First timed practice
- 15:25–16:15Second timed practice
- 16:30–17:25Third timed practice
- 17:25–18:25Fourth timed practice
- 18:30–19:00Parachute jump by the Army Parachuting Sports Centre
- 19:30–21:30Carola Jasmins live band (concert)
- 22:00Drone Village closes
Sunday 20
Competition day
- 08:30–09:30Drone Village opening and fifth timed practice
- FollowingOPEN-category eliminations (civilian and military) and PRO-category eliminations
- 12:00–13:00ANSA talk, live-streamed: “Drones as Sport: between innovation and technology”
- 12:30–13:00OPEN-category finals (four pilots)
- 13:00–13:50PRO-category finals (four pilots)
- 14:10–14:30Awards ceremony
- FollowingConcert by the Grenadiers of Sardinia Brigade Band
- 17:00Drone Village closes
Pilots, public, companies and media
Take part
in the event
Return here for the rules, application procedures, full programme and visitor information.
Rome · Pietro Giannattasio Military Hippodrome · Tor di Quinto
Contacts and informationMain Sponsors
- Biro’
Official Sponsors
Sponsors
Other partners
Institutional partners
Under the patronage of
In collaboration with
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