INNOVATION

Ellsworth Air Force ... https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1848347/bomber-task-force-conducts-first-aor-mission/ A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary BombSquadron takes off from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May ... 33rd Fighter Wing Selected For New F-35 Training Squadron > Air ... https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/1846436/33rd-fighter-wing-selected-for-new-f-35-training-squadron/ The U.S. Air Force announced on May 9th, the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the preferred alternative to receive an additional F-35A training squadron of 24 F-35A Lightning IIs. ... In 2009, Eglin AFB was the location of initial joint training hosting U.S. Air Force, Navy and ... Air Force to reactivate aggressor squadron for F-35 training > U.S. Air ... https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1843434/air-force-to-reactivate-aggressor-squadron-for-f-35-training/ May 9, 2019 - The Air Force is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving 11 F-35ALightning IIs to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as part of a ... Secretary of the Air Force announces Grand Forks AFB re-designation ... https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1845890/secretary-of-the-air-force-announces-grand-forks-afb-re-designation/ Secretary of the Air Force announces Grand Forks AFB re-designation. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced the re-designation of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, as the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, May 11.' />

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Innovation in Europe and Africa

Europe Africa Innovation Videos

Video by Airman 1st Class Miguel Rosario

Around the Air Force: B-52’s in Qatar / F-35 Training / Grand Forks Redesignation

Defense Media Activity - Air Force

May 17, 2019 | 1:59

Today's look around the Air Force: a U.S. bomber task force deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, completed its first mission in mid-May, the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida was chosen as a potential new F-35 Training Squadron, the Air Force is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving eleven F-35 Lightning A-II's to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and SECAF Heather Wilson announced the re-designation of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, as the 319th Reconnaissance Wing.

Related Links:
Bomber Task Force conducts first AOR mission > Ellsworth Air Force ...
https://www.ellsworth.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1848347/bomber-task-force-conducts-first-aor-mission/
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary BombSquadron takes off from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May ...

33rd Fighter Wing Selected For New F-35 Training Squadron > Air ...
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/1846436/33rd-fighter-wing-selected-for-new-f-35-training-squadron/
The U.S. Air Force announced on May 9th, the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the preferred alternative to receive an additional F-35A training squadron of 24 F-35A Lightning IIs. ... In 2009, Eglin AFB was the location of initial joint training hosting U.S. Air Force, Navy and ...

Air Force to reactivate aggressor squadron for F-35 training > U.S. Air ...
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1843434/air-force-to-reactivate-aggressor-squadron-for-f-35-training/
May 9, 2019 - The Air Force is reactivating the 65th Aggressor Squadron and moving 11 F-35ALightning IIs to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as part of a ...

Secretary of the Air Force announces Grand Forks AFB re-designation ...
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1845890/secretary-of-the-air-force-announces-grand-forks-afb-re-designation/
Secretary of the Air Force announces Grand Forks AFB re-designation. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson announced the re-designation of the 319th Air Base Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, as the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, May 11.

More

Up Next

F-22 Raptors bring the fight during Checkered Flag and WSEP

F-22 Raptors bring the fight during Checkered Flag and WSEP

Arctic Gold 25-1 B-Roll

Arctic Gold 25-1 B-Roll

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Air Dominance Center's New Hangar Takes Flight!

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Air Dominance Center's New Hangar Takes Flight!

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing receives first operational F-35B Lightning II jet (B-Roll)

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing receives first operational F-35B Lightning II jet (B-Roll)

PACAF Capabilities Demonstration Takeoffs 3

PACAF Capabilities Demonstration Takeoffs 3

PACAF Air Force 75th Anniversary Capabilities Demonstration setup

PACAF Air Force 75th Anniversary Capabilities Demonstration setup

F-22 Raptor Airpower Demo

F-22 Raptor Airpower Demo

Checkered Flag 21-1 Interview

Checkered Flag 21-1 Interview

Proven: First USAF F-35 squadrons gain Full Warfighting Capable

Proven: First USAF F-35 squadrons gain Full Warfighting Capable

Blended Operational Lightning Team

Blended Operational Lightning Team

USS America (LHA 6) operations at sea

USS America (LHA 6) operations at sea

USS America (LHA 6) operations at sea

USS America (LHA 6) operations at sea

Around the Air Force: B-52’s in Qatar / F-35 Training / Grand Forks Redesignation

Around the Air Force: B-52’s in Qatar / F-35 Training / Grand Forks Redesignation

The F-35 Demo like you've never seen before (Teaser Trailer)

The F-35 Demo like you've never seen before (Teaser Trailer)

33rd Fighter Wing Mission - Creating the Combat Air Force's Finest

33rd Fighter Wing Mission - Creating the Combat Air Force's Finest

More Videos

Latest News On Innovation in Europe and Africa

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.

Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

“The experience so far has been fantastic,” said Chief Topits, visibly pleased that his students are flying drones. “This has been our second course. Everyone is coming out here and crushing it thanks to our aptitude assessment that we’re running beforehand—making sure these new operators have the skills necessary to operate these systems.”

Unlike off-the-shelf hobby drones, the paratroopers aren’t simply handed a controller and told to “send it.” Instead, they’re building their own aircraft from the ground up. Wires, soldering, and screws.

“All of these drones, the students have built themselves. They put a lot of care and effort into building them,” Topits explained. “They take pride in their work. They’re not just out here flying them going crazy just to have a good time. They’re out here to get work done.”

That “work” includes everything from reconnaissance to supporting live-fire exercises—essential skills in a modern battlefield where eyes in the sky can mean the difference between success and failure.

Still, seeing paratroopers hunched over circuit boards instead of parachutes is a sight that takes some getting used to. As the Army continues to modernize its formations, initiatives like this ensure that the 173rd Airborne Brigade remains on the cutting edge—proof that even the most seasoned jumpers can learn a few new tricks.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable

173rd Airborne Brigade Trains Drone Operators at Grafenwoehr

May 14, 2025 | 0:41

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.
Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Hessen, DE. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Benjamin Purcey and Sgt. Deziree Keay)

Using innovation to save equipment costs

May 1, 2025 | 0:50

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Germany. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, May 5, 2025. Mesa explains the role of UAS enhancing battlefield awareness and supporting multi-domain operations. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

“Tomorrow” by Andrew Potterton is licensed under De Wolfe Music Library. To request a copy of this 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com

3ID Drone Validation: CW3 Mesa on Eyes Above the Fight

May 6, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, May 5, 2025. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies.

Related:
More about Combined Resolve

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway)

Wiesbaden Drone Pilot Learns to Fly

May 1, 2025 | 0:52

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process.

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

Transforming in Contact during Exercise Combined Resolve

Feb. 7, 2025 | 2:43

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.
(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid during Combined Resolve

Jan. 22, 2025 | 1:08

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade is supporting innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving to improve warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Chris House)

173rd Airborne Brigade hosts inaugural Innovation Symposium

April 1, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade supports innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving improving warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

The U.S. Army showcased several sophisticated systems Soldiers operate to detect and respond to unknown, potentially hostile drones during a demonstration at Joint Multinational Training Center in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, March 25, 2025.

Related:
Full story

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers conducted a live fire of first-person view drones for the first time at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Feb. 17-20, 2025. Although drones have been incorporated into training for years, this event combined FPV drones with live munitions in a series of live fire flights, all within range safety standards. The success is a result of collaboration between U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, 7th Army Training Command, Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Related:
Full story

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
(U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello)

Drone Training

March 13, 2025 | 1:27

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities. (U.S. Army video edited by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway with footage and color grading by Sgt Benjamin Purcey)

Wiesbaden Soldiers create solutions in Innovation Lab

April 22, 2025 | 1:00

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities.

This condensed version of a longer video production features U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

The full-length version of this video can be found at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/958665/army-drone-innovation-lab-represents-new-model-battlefield-adaptation

"Keeping the Dream Alive" by Damon Baxter & Sergei Petrovski and "Blissful" by Glyn M. Owen are licensed under DeWolfe Music Library. To request a copy of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com.

Army Drone Innovation Lab represents new model for battlefield adaptation

April 14, 2025 | 3:00

U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges.

Army Specialist Samantha Zaldivar operates a homemade simulator during Chimera Sunrise

CHIMERA SUNRISE PUTS INNOVATION LAB AT THE CENTER OF NEXT-GEN SENSOR-TO-SHOOTER TRAINING

A homemade simulator, a high-altitude balloon, and a new task organization came together last week in Chimera Sunrise, a virtual sensor-to-shooter exercise that pushed the boundaries of multi-domain operations inside the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (2MDTF), 56th Artillery Command’s Innovation Lab.

Related:
Full story

In a world where paratroopers fall from the sky, one platoon is flipping the script. Forget parachutes. This time, they're learning to fly a little differently.

Led by Chief Andrew Topits, a UAS instructor with 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) , who’s leading the charge—one rotor at a time—throughout the year at Grafenwoehr Training Area. His mission? To make sure Sky Soldiers across every rank know how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, or UAS. Yes, that’s Army-speak for “drones.”

“The experience so far has been fantastic,” said Chief Topits, visibly pleased that his students are flying drones. “This has been our second course. Everyone is coming out here and crushing it thanks to our aptitude assessment that we’re running beforehand—making sure these new operators have the skills necessary to operate these systems.”

Unlike off-the-shelf hobby drones, the paratroopers aren’t simply handed a controller and told to “send it.” Instead, they’re building their own aircraft from the ground up. Wires, soldering, and screws.

“All of these drones, the students have built themselves. They put a lot of care and effort into building them,” Topits explained. “They take pride in their work. They’re not just out here flying them going crazy just to have a good time. They’re out here to get work done.”

That “work” includes everything from reconnaissance to supporting live-fire exercises—essential skills in a modern battlefield where eyes in the sky can mean the difference between success and failure.

Still, seeing paratroopers hunched over circuit boards instead of parachutes is a sight that takes some getting used to. As the Army continues to modernize its formations, initiatives like this ensure that the 173rd Airborne Brigade remains on the cutting edge—proof that even the most seasoned jumpers can learn a few new tricks.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable

173rd Airborne Brigade Trains Drone Operators at Grafenwoehr

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Fritz, lead manufacturer, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, explains his tasks and leadership position in 2MEB's innovation lab, Apr. 2, 2024, on Mainz Kastel TMP Station in Wiesbaden, Hessen, DE. The innovation lab was created to find cost-effective and beneficial ways to revolutionize warfighting with techniques such as 3-D printing and soldering. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Benjamin Purcey and Sgt. Deziree Keay)

Using innovation to save equipment costs

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Mesa, assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, discusses unmanned aerial systems drone validation during Combined Resolve 25-02 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center on Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, May 5, 2025. Mesa explains the role of UAS enhancing battlefield awareness and supporting multi-domain operations. Combined Resolve is part of the Army’s “Transforming in Contact” initiative, which assesses the effectiveness of electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aerial systems, as well as how force structure changes and current tactics align with emerging technologies. (U.S. Army video by Pfc. Carlos Marquez)

“Tomorrow” by Andrew Potterton is licensed under De Wolfe Music Library. To request a copy of this 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com

3ID Drone Validation: CW3 Mesa on Eyes Above the Fight

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander, 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2n Multi-Domain Taskforce, and Spc. Samantha Zaldivar, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator with the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company of the 2nd MDEB, begin preparations and training for Arcane Thunder 25 on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 15, 2025. The battalion innovation lab added a virtual drone flight simulation to the established mission command software to streamline the reconnaissance process. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway)

Wiesbaden Drone Pilot Learns to Fly

Col. Joshua Glonek, 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division Brigade commander discusses how the U.S. Army's Transforming in Contact initiative is shaping how his unit trains and may influence the future of army training during Combined Resolve 25-1, at Hohenfels Training Area, Feb. 1, 2025. During CbR 25-1, TiC utilizes new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.

Transforming in Contact during Exercise Combined Resolve

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chavez, an air traffic control specialist assigned to 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, describes the features and capabilities of the Amy's new Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid prototype during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 14, 2025. The Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid (NGTV-H) is a diesel-electric light reconnaissance vehicle. During Combined Resolve 25-1, the U.S. Army is implementing its Transforming in Contact initiative, utilizing new technologies and systems designed to enhance its warfighting readiness and ability to respond to crisis or conflict.
(U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

Next Generation Tactical Vehicle-Hybrid during Combined Resolve

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Justin Love discuss the 173rd Airborne Brigade's inaugural Innovation Symposium, held March 26-27, 2025 in Vicenza, Italy. The symposium showcased how the 173rd Airborne Brigade is supporting innovation by enabling bottom-up problem-solving to improve warfighter readiness and deploy technology to increase warfighting lethality.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army video by Chris House)

173rd Airborne Brigade hosts inaugural Innovation Symposium

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers demonstrate counter-drone tech in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Soldiers live fire FPV drones in Germany

Ssg. Gary E. Bowers, assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, describes the multiple uses of the Flying Basket drone at Gasinci training area, Croatia, Mar. 11, 2025.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
(U.S. Army video by Vincenzo Vitiello)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christian Lehr and Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Baumgartner, the officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Innovation Lab of the 2nd Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force, spearhead technological advancement on Mainz Kastel Station, Germany, April 7, 2025. The innovation lab creates quick solutions to fill gaps in support during military operations. The innovation lab provides real-time, cost-saving solutions to the Army to increase its capabilities. (U.S. Army video edited by Sgt. Kevin Dunnaway with footage and color grading by Sgt Benjamin Purcey)

Wiesbaden Soldiers create solutions in Innovation Lab

This condensed version of a longer video production features U.S. Army Capt. Ronan Sefton, an intelligence officer assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explaining the creation of 2CR's drone innovation lab and its transformative capabilities and implications for the future of U.S. Army warfare during an interview at Balli Airfield UAS Facility, Vilseck, Germany, April 7, 2025. 2CR's Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Program involves the design, 3D printing, assembling, and testing of custom-built drones, all done exclusively by 2CR Soldiers. This enables the regiment to rapidly respond to changing battlefield conditions and quickly overcome environmental challenges. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Chandler Coats)

The full-length version of this video can be found at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/958665/army-drone-innovation-lab-represents-new-model-battlefield-adaptation

"Keeping the Dream Alive" by Damon Baxter & Sergei Petrovski and "Blissful" by Glyn M. Owen are licensed under DeWolfe Music Library. To request a copy of the 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment’s license please email team@dewolfemusic.com.

Army Drone Innovation Lab represents new model for battlefield adaptation

Army Specialist Samantha Zaldivar operates a homemade simulator during Chimera Sunrise

CHIMERA SUNRISE PUTS INNOVATION LAB AT THE CENTER OF NEXT-GEN SENSOR-TO-SHOOTER TRAINING

More