The US Army is set to implement unmanned aerial system (UAS) training as part of the African Lion 2026 exercise, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional security capabilities and incorporating cutting-edge technologies into military operations. The pilot program will kick off in Morocco, featuring two courses designed for 16 participants that will focus on UAS integration and provide hands-on flight training across various systems.
Scheduled to run from mid-April to early May, African Lion 2026 will engage over 10,000 troops from 20 different nations across locations in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Ghana. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa, emphasized that this initiative aligns with a broader objective of developing a regional drone training network across the African continent. He articulated the strategic intent by stating, “What we want is to focus on an approach of how we solve problems,” which underscores a commitment to achieving “sustainable, enduring capability.”
The UAS training is not the sole focus of the exercise. In a notable development, more than 40 American industry partners will collaborate with military units to trial advanced systems in realistic operational conditions. This initiative aims to address critical operational gaps, specifically in mission command, deep strike capabilities, and defensive systems. Lt. Col. Ramon Leonguerrero, project manager for the US Army Advanced Capability Directorate, highlighted the significance of this venture, stating that the ultimate goal is to convert senior leadership’s vision of transformation into actionable, battlefield-ready capabilities.
A pivotal component of the exercise will involve a transition from manual processes to real-time, data-driven operations leveraging artificial intelligence, alongside the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The African Lion 2026 exercise will also encompass an open-air testing environment, where military personnel and vendors will evaluate various technologies, including AI, robotics, and digital systems. Immediate feedback from these assessments will inform efforts to refine and scale up the technologies being tested.
“Our goal is to close the gap between emerging technology and the warfighter,” Leonguerrero remarked, affirming the intent to use African Lion 2026 as a platform to rapidly deploy and validate the necessary tools and technologies that provide a decisive edge in modern warfare. The progression of these training exercises represents a concerted effort to embrace innovation and bolster the military capabilities of participating nations throughout the region.
