From left, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Fahad Kasamba and Spc. Dennis Workman, infantrymen assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, coordinate movement during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

Pfc. Hunter Merritt, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, replaces a vent cover on an M1296 Stryker during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap is a multinational operation that aims to help the U.S. and allies address the proliferation of drones on the battlefield by evaluating commercial solutions that can operate within NATO’s existing air defense networks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicodemus Taylor)

Sgt. 1st Class Cozzie Horsford, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, gives instruction to paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap is part of a larger series of linked exercises collectively called Sword26 that allows the U.S. to exchange resources, expertise and intelligence with allies and partners to strengthen relationships and increase the ability to fight effectively. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicodemus Taylor)

Sgt. Richard Ellzey, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, teaches paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment how an onboard computer system in an M1296 Stryker can display real-time images from the battlefield in a combat scenario during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap is a multinational exercise intended to increase cohesive integration among different intelligence, fire and protection systems to combat evolving drone threats. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicodemus Taylor)

Pfc. Silas Moore, a signal support systems specialist assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, adjusts communications equipment on an M1296 Stryker during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap directly supports the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, NATO’s plan for a unified, layered air defense shield along its eastern borders. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicodemus Taylor)

Paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment prepare to operate an M1126 Stryker during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Forces from the U.S. and U.K. are participating in this iteration of the Project Flytrap exercise to increase interoperability and build relationships while also improving modern warfighting capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nicodemus Taylor)

Pfc. Hailey Paton, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, monitors a first-person view feed while operating an unmanned aerial system during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 2, 2026. Project Flytrap places emerging counter-drone technology directly in the hands of Soldiers to generate real-time feedback and inform future Army training requirements and doctrine. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

A counter-unmanned aerial system sits staged in a field during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 2, 2026. Project Flytrap is a counter-unmanned aerial system exercise designed to evaluate emerging technologies and inform future Army requirements and doctrine along NATO's eastern flank. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

Pfc. Hailey Paton, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, dons first-person view goggles before operating a small unmanned aerial system during Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 2, 2026. Project Flytrap directly supports the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative by evaluating scalable counter-drone solutions that can integrate into NATO's existing air defense networks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

From left, U.S. Army Spc. Alexandria Suastegui, Spc. Emilio Veliz and Pfc. Silas Moore, all signal support systems specialists assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, assemble a counter-unmanned aerial system during setup operations for Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. The exercise brings together military personnel and industry representatives to rapidly refine and evaluate counter-drone technologies in a field environment. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

From left, U.S. Army Spc. Emilio Veliz and Pfc. Silas Moore, both signal support systems specialists assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explain the capabilities of a counter-unmanned aerial system to a paratrooper with the U.K. Parachute Regiment ahead of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. The exercise is part of V Corps' broader effort to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and field-ready solutions for Soldiers on the front line. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Soldiers and U.K. paratroopers pose for a photo during preparations for Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. The exercise tests maneuver-based counter-drone systems designed to provide Soldiers with low-cost, rapidly deployable solutions against evolving aerial threats. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joshua Pugh, a platoon leader with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, explains the capabilities of the Stryker 30mm Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon to visiting U.K. Parachute Regiment paratroopers in preparation for Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap directly supports the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative by evaluating scalable solutions that can integrate into NATO's existing air defense networks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pfc. Adam Stark, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, sets up equipment in preparation for Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, April 30, 2026. Project Flytrap is a counter-unmanned aerial system exercise designed to integrate emerging technologies and inform future Army requirements and doctrine. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Fahad Kasamba, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, engages a simulated enemy position alongside fellow Soldiers during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Spc. Adam Curry, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, monitors a tablet displaying unmanned aerial system feed data during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pvt. Cody Reynolds, above, and Spc. Anthony Reyes, both infantrymen assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, clear a trench during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

From left, U.S. Army Pfc. Chase Anders, an infantryman, and Spc. Anthony Reyes, both infantrymen assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, engage a simulated enemy position during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Agurcia, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, prepares a small unmanned aerial system for flight during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

From left, U.S. Army Pfc. Chase Anders and Staff Sgt. Fahad Kasamba, infantrymen assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, maneuver through a training area during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, assault an objective during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pv2. Hoyce Komrosky, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, patrols through a forested area during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pvt. Camden Lapenta, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, mans an M249 light machine gun from a fighting position during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Sgt. Terrell Forward, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, signals to his element during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Agurcia, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, dons a first-person view headset before operating a small unmanned aerial system during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pfc. Mickey Leonard, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, patrols through a forested area while carrying an M249 light machine gun during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

From left, U.S. Army Pfc. Owens Bowman Pulls security with an M249 light machine gun with Spc. Dennis Workman, both infantrymen assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army Pfc. Mickey Leonard, an infantryman assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, pulls security in a prone position during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. U.S. Soldiers faced off against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joshua Pugh, a platoon leader assigned to Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, directs his platoon during the force-on-force phase of Project Flytrap at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, May 4, 2026. The force-on-force phase pits U.S. Soldiers against British paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment in a series of simulated engagements designed to test counter-unmanned aerial system integration in a contested environment. From April 27 to May 31, 2026, U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster, and fight more effectively across all domains. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Max Elliott)

PABRADĖ TRAINING AREA, Lithuania – U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment integrated new weapons systems alongside paratroopers from the U.K. Parachute Regiment and industry experts from dozens of vendors to kickoff Project Flytrap. The exercise is a cutting-edge initiative focused on developing and integrating low-cost, effective counter-unmanned aerial system solutions from May 1-15, at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania.

Project Flytrap is part of the ongoing Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative, demonstrating NATO’s ability to fight and win on the modern battlefield. It consists of a series of C-UAS exercises that help test and incorporate new C-UAS technologies while having U.S. Soldiers provide feedback on those technologies to industry providers.

“This technology is brand new,” said Sgt. Connor Henrickson, an infantryman with Echo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. "We’re kind of getting a feel for it, and a lot of the vendors have brought equipment for us to use. This is also their first time making systems like these for counter-UAS.”

Soldiers like Henrickson integrated these systems within their own equipment and procedures, providing real-time feedback to industry experts on the ground.

“I think with our feedback, and applying that to this exercise, we’re going to be able to improve upon that, and give them critiques in areas where they can improve,” Henrickson said.

Echo Troop with the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment will not only test these new systems individually on the training battlefield in Project Flytrap, the exercise will also test Echo Troop’s ability to network the systems together in a contested environment.

“We are the ones proofing the concept,” said Capt. Brendan Printup, Echo Troop commander. “This is the first time at the troop level that we are going to be testing a mounted Stryker platform fighting the counter-UAS fight. These Eagle Troop Soldiers - I’m talking about the E-5 sergeants and below - this is their fight.”

“I feel ready to use this technology,” Henrickson said. “Us being infantry, we take pride in what we do, and so the fact that we get to utilize something like this, it’s amazing. We’re definitely going to take advantage of it.”

U.S. and Allied forces will conduct Project Flytrap as part of a series of linked exercises, including Sword, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response, which transform experimentation into capability. During Project Flytrap, Soldiers integrate counter-unmanned systems, AI-enabled command and control, and live data networks to move faster, decide faster and fight more effectively across all domains.