Drones are transforming how fans experience the Olympic Games. From high-speed downhill skiing to spectacular opening ceremony light shows, unmanned aerial technology is now a key part of modern Olympic production.
At the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, drones are playing a bigger role than ever before—particularly in live broadcast coverage.
Here’s a full breakdown of the drones being used in the Olympics and how they enhance the viewer experience.
FPV Drones: The Game-Changer in Olympic Broadcasting
The biggest innovation at recent Olympic Games is the use of First-Person View (FPV) drones.
These high-speed quadcopters are operated by skilled pilots wearing goggles that stream a live camera feed from the drone. This allows operators to fly alongside athletes at incredible speeds, capturing immersive footage that traditional camera systems simply cannot achieve.
At Milano Cortina 2026, FPV drones are being deployed by Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), the official host broadcaster responsible for delivering live coverage to global networks.
How FPV Drones Are Used:
- Following downhill skiers during alpine events
- Tracking luge and bobsleigh runs
- Capturing dynamic angles in speed skating
- Enhancing cinematic transitions between shots
These drones are typically:
- Lightweight racing-style quadcopters
- Equipped with stabilized 4K broadcast cameras
- Built with enhanced transmission systems for real-time live feeds
- Programmed with strict safety geofencing
Unlike consumer drones used for recreational filming, Olympic broadcast drones are custom-tuned for stability, safety, and ultra-low latency video transmission.
How Many Drones Are Used?
Reports indicate that approximately 20–30 FPV drones are deployed for coverage during major competitions, depending on the venue and sport.
Each drone operates within a tightly controlled flight corridor to ensure athlete safety and avoid interference with competition.
Drone Light Shows at Olympic Ceremonies
Beyond competition coverage, drones have also been used in large-scale opening ceremony displays.
For example:
- PyeongChang 2018 featured a record-breaking drone light show forming the Olympic rings.
- Paris 2024 incorporated drone formations into its ceremonies.
These shows use hundreds—or even thousands—of synchronized drones equipped with LED lighting systems. They are controlled via centralized software to create massive 3D aerial displays.
While Milano Cortina 2026 is focusing heavily on broadcast drones, ceremonial drone shows remain a staple of modern Olympic production.
Why the Olympics Are Using Drones
Drones provide several key advantages:
1. Immersive Viewing Experience
FPV drones allow viewers to feel like they are racing down the mountain with Olympic athletes.
2. Access to Difficult Terrain
Winter venues are often located in mountainous areas where traditional camera rigs are limited.
3. Cost Efficiency
Drones reduce the need for helicopters and complex cable camera systems.
4. Creative Storytelling
They enable dramatic cinematic sequences that elevate broadcast quality.
Are Olympic Drones Used for Security?
While some past Games have experimented with drones for security monitoring, the primary drone usage at recent Olympics—especially Milano Cortina 2026—is focused on broadcast production rather than surveillance.
All drone operations follow strict aviation regulations and are coordinated with local authorities.
The Future of Drones in the Olympics
Drone technology continues to evolve rapidly. Future Olympic Games may feature:
- AI-assisted autonomous tracking
- Enhanced stabilization in extreme weather
- Higher-resolution live streaming
- Expanded drone coverage across indoor venues
As broadcast expectations rise, drones are becoming an essential part of how global audiences experience the world’s largest sporting event.
Final Thoughts
Drones are no longer a novelty at the Olympics—they are a core production tool.
At Milano Cortina 2026, FPV broadcast drones are delivering some of the most immersive Olympic footage ever seen, building on innovations introduced in previous Games like PyeongChang 2018 and Paris 2024.
As technology advances, expect drones to play an even bigger role in shaping the future of Olympic coverage.