Currently, programming skills are essential for enhancing student digital competency and promoting problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. The learning process should be education that emphasizes theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Thus, integrating drones as learning tools to learn and practice programming can be challenging for students who need basic programming skills. This study introduces learning activities designed to develop students’ programming skills by integrating unmanned aerial vehicles or drones with block-based programming, allowing students to participate more effectively in programming tasks. In this approach, students learn to control drones in various ways, including adjusting direction and speed and performing more complex flight patterns. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of flight control, especially for students new to programming. This study assessed students’ programming skills using pre-tests, post-tests, and rubric-based evaluations. These methods measured key skills within drone programming activities, including programming concepts, debugging, and algorithm design, within drone programming activities. This activity enhances technical skills and offers hands-on experience in real-world programming. The students gain experience writing code, debugging, and tuning program performance, enhancing their ability to control drones precisely. This approach enhances their programming skills and provides them with practical skills that can be applied in future learning and real-world situations.