During the African Lion 2026 exercise, the US Army will introduce unmanned aerial system (UAS) training to bolster regional defense capabilities and accelerate the integration of next-generation technologies into operational frameworks.
The initial phase of the program will be conducted in Morocco, where two specialized courses will train 16 personnel in UAS integration and hands-on drone flight operations across various platforms.
Taking place from mid-April through early May, the multinational exercise will involve over 10,000 military personnel from 20 nations, spanning locations in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Ghana.
According to Gen. Christopher Donahue, head of US Army Europe and Africa, the initiative is part of a wider effort to build a continent-wide drone training network.
He highlighted the importance of adopting problem-solving methodologies, describing the initiative as a long-term, sustainable capability.
Advancing Technological Integration
Alongside drone training, more than 40 US defense industry partners will collaborate with military units to evaluate advanced systems under realistic conditions.
The effort is designed to bridge operational gaps in mission command, long-range strike capabilities, and defense systems.
Lt. Col. Ramon Leonguerrero of the US Army Advanced Capability Directorate noted that the initiative aims to translate leadership-driven transformation goals into deployable battlefield capabilities.
A key priority is the transition from traditional manual processes to real-time, AI-enabled, data-centric operations, supported by advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
Additionally, the exercise will feature an open testing environment where military personnel and industry partners can assess AI, robotics, and digital solutions, using real-time feedback to enhance and scale these technologies.
