A precision landing system including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a beacon is provided. A processor of the UAV controls a flight system of the UAV to fly the UAV. The processor detects, via a sensor of the UAV, a signal emitted by a beacon. The processor controls the flight system of the UAV to land on or near the beacon. The processor also energizes one or more electromagnets on a cradle of the UAV to retrieve the beacon.