The US Army is set to roll out unmanned aerial system (UAS) training as part of the African Lion 2026 exercise, aiming to enhance regional security capabilities while integrating emerging technologies into military operations.
The pilot initiative will commence in Morocco, featuring two training courses for 16 participants focused on UAS integration and practical flight operations across multiple drone platforms.
Scheduled from mid-April to early May, African Lion 2026 will bring together over 10,000 troops from 20 countries, with activities conducted across Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Ghana.
Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader objective of establishing a regional drone training network across the continent.
He noted that the focus is on developing problem-solving approaches, describing the effort as a “sustainable, enduring capability.”
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In parallel with UAS training, more than 40 US industry partners will integrate with military units to test advanced technologies in realistic operational settings.
The program aims to address capability gaps in areas such as mission command, deep strike operations, and defensive systems.
Lt. Col. Ramon Leonguerrero, Project Manager at the US Army Advanced Capability Directorate, stated that the goal is to convert strategic transformation objectives into practical, battlefield-ready solutions.
A major emphasis will be placed on shifting from manual processes to real-time, data-driven operations powered by artificial intelligence, along with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
The exercise will also include an open-field testing environment, enabling troops and industry partners to evaluate AI, robotics, and digital technologies, with immediate feedback used to refine and scale these systems.
