During the recent African Lion 2026 exercise, Overland AI showcased the capabilities of its ULTRA autonomous ground vehicles, marking a significant advancement in uncrewed ground combat operations as part of the U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual military exercise. Held in the harsh environments of Morocco’s Sahara Desert, the exercise ran from April 20 to May 8 and involved multiple military components, including the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade and 7th Engineer Brigade, as well as the Marine Corps’ 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion.
Overland AI deployed two ULTRA vehicles during the exercise, specifically designed for combat engineering and defensive training missions. One scenario involved a counter-attack operation where a vehicle equipped with a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station provided remote fire support, allowing troops to maintain a safer distance while engaging in combat. Another ULTRA unit was equipped with an Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System, clearing wire obstacles as dismounted troops advanced through the terrain.
Additionally, the vehicles demonstrated their capabilities in a defensive scenario, employing XM204 terrain-shaping munitions to construct defensive barriers. Throughout the exercise, the ULTRA vehicles successfully navigated various battlefield obstacles, including berms, anti-vehicle ditches, tank barriers, and simulated minefields, illustrating their impressive maneuverability and operational versatility.
Overland AI touted the rapid deployment capabilities of these systems, stating that the vehicles became operational within 24 hours of arrival from the U.S., enabling agile responses in expeditionary settings. The ULTRA platform integrates Overland AI’s OverDrive autonomy software with SPARK hardware architecture and allows for a range of modular payload options, enhancing its adaptability for different mission requirements.
Weighing in at 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms) with a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) and achieving speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour), the ULTRA vehicles exemplify cutting-edge technology in military applications. The successful integration of autonomous systems into the African Lion exercise underscores the growing emphasis on technology-driven solutions in modern combat scenarios.
