US service members participating in African Lion 26 (AL26) focused on advancing C-UAS capabilities and integrating emerging technologies to support evolving operational requirements.
As the largest multinational military exercise in Africa, AL26 provided a multidomain training environment where joint and partner forces tested new systems and concepts in realistic scenarios. The exercise emphasized interoperability, readiness, and experimentation while aligning capabilities with regional security priorities.
Participants evaluated artificial intelligence-enabled platforms, autonomous systems, and remote capabilities across attack, defense, and mission command operations. These efforts contributed to the development of adaptable and cost-effective solutions to address modern battlefield challenges.
Focus on Counter-UAS Innovation
A key area of focus was the development and evaluation of the Джміль counter-UAS system.
“Central to this effort is the evolution of the ‘Bumblebee’ counter-unmanned aerial system,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Derrick Guyton, an instructor with 7th Army Training Command who teaches small unmanned aerial systems.
“The Bumblebee was designed as a compact, agile interceptor capable of neutralizing small unmanned aerial threats with an emphasis on portability and rapid deployment. This training and the operational feedback will improve current counter-UAS capabilities and inform future technological developments.”
The exercise followed a structured training approach, integrating new technologies into progressive learning phases. U.S. Soldiers moved from classroom instruction to hands-on training and operational application.
“We conducted a three-day training progression that included classroom instruction, hands-on training and a culminating exercise,” Guyton said. “The goal is to see U.S. Soldiers employ the system in a mission set, operate it effectively and recover equipment.”
Expanding Operational Capabilities
The Bumblebee system supports a range of mission sets, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations.
“It is a first-person-view capable system that can conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, strike and payload delivery,” Guyton said. “Operators can control multiple platforms from a single ground control station and execute simultaneous tasks.”
Guyton also highlighted the system’s potential impact on future operations.
“This capability extends the fight beyond forward lines, allowing forces to reach deeper into the battlefield while enabling maneuver elements to advance,” he said. “African Lion also strengthens partnerships and demonstrates our ability to train alongside allies in complex environments.”
Training Impact on Readiness
For participating units, the training contributed directly to operational readiness and adaptability.
“This is our first time training with this capability as a unit,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Pedro Gallardo, a combat medic assigned to the 7th Engineer Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “It improves our ability to support mobility and counter-mobility operations while adapting to new technology.”
Multinational Exercise Supports Future Readiness
African Lion 26, co-led by US Africa Command and US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, took place from April 20 to May 8 across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise involved more than 5,600 personnel from over 40 nations and focused on strengthening collective security and interoperability.
ПОВ'ЯЗАНОГО З ЦИМ КОНТЕНТУ: Десантники армії США випробовують систему протидії безпілотникам Bumblebee V2
Копирайт изображения: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan.
