To call in a UAV in Battlefield 6, play as Recon on the Sniper training path, fill the Field Specs track to the top, then activate the ability using the default input for your platform. The UAV Overwatch highlights enemies within 100 meters for 60 seconds, giving your squad reliable situational awareness.

UAV Overwatch requirements and what it does

UAV Overwatch is tied to the Recon class via the Sniper training path. When active, it periodically reveals enemy players on your minimap within a 100‑meter radius centered on your current position. The effect lasts for 60 seconds and is not a physical drone, so enemies cannot shoot it down.

Unlock the UAV during a match (Field Specs progress)

The ability is earned mid‑match through Field Specs—match-long perks that unlock as you gain XP. Progress appears as stacked boxes on the right side of your HUD. Each box fills as you earn XP; once a box fills, it locks, and XP starts filling the next one. The UAV sits at the top of the Recon (Sniper) track.

Step 1: Select the Recon class and ensure the Sniper training path is active. This path is the default for Recon and enables access to UAV Overwatch.

Step 2: Earn XP by capturing and defending objectives, spotting, reviving, and assisting your squad. This steadily fills the Field Specs boxes toward the UAV tier.

Step 3: Maintain momentum. Unlocked boxes stay permanent for the match, but partial progress on the current box can drain if you stop earning XP for a period. Keep contributing to lock each box in sequence.

Step 4: Watch the right‑side progression. When you reach the top box on the Recon path, the UAV becomes available, and you’ll see the activation prompt for your platform’s input.

Activate the UAV (default controls)

Use the Class Ability input once the UAV is available. Below are the defaults for each platform.

Platform Default input
PC 6.
Xbox Series X|S LB + RB.
PlayStation 5 L1 + R1.

Step 1: Move to cover and confirm the UAV is ready (the top Field Specs box is unlocked and the ability prompt is visible).

Step 2: Press the default Class Ability input for your platform to call in UAV Overwatch. The 60‑second timer starts immediately.

Step 3: Stay on the move near objectives and choke points. The scan radius follows your position, so shifting forward extends intel to the areas your team is contesting.

Make the most of the 60 seconds

UAV Overwatch is brief but impactful. Use the window to swing fights and secure ground efficiently.

Step 1: Coordinate a push while the sweep is active. With enemies appearing on the minimap around you, your squad can pre-aim angles and clear threats faster.

Step 2: Prioritize high-traffic lanes. Rotate through sightlines that commonly funnel opponents—flags under attack, rooftops with sniper nests, or vehicle routes—to maximize the number of pings.

Step 3: Chain momentum. Keep spotting and assisting during the sweep to continue filling Field Specs, maintaining pressure after the UAV ends.

Quick fixes if the UAV won’t activate

Most activation problems come down to timing, progress, or bindings. Work through these checks in order.

Step 1: Verify you reached the top of the Recon Field Specs track. If the top box isn’t unlocked, the UAV isn’t available yet.

Step 2: Keep earning XP to prevent progress decay on the current box. If you’ve been idle, your partial progress may have drained just shy of the UAV unlock.

Step 3: Check control bindings. On PC, confirm the Class Ability is bound to 6, or remap it to a preferred key. On console, ensure the Class Ability input is set to the default bumper combo (LB + RB or L1 + R1), or rebind if changed.

Step 4: Confirm you’re using Recon with the Sniper training path active. Switching classes or paths mid‑match removes access to the UAV until you’re back on Recon (Sniper) and have unlocked the top box again.

Once you know the timing and the button, UAV Overwatch becomes a reliable team win button—keep the track filling, pop the scan at the right moment, and move the fight under your radar umbrella.