AGADIR, Morocco — The Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) demonstrated its critical impact during U.S. Africa Command’s African Lion 26 exercise by successfully testing and validating two advanced deep-attack capabilities.
In direct coordination with U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF), Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, and PAE Maneuver Air, G-TEAD executed its rapid, forward-deployed acquisition model to integrate and rigorously test these emerging systems in real-world conditions.
Coordinating Solutions for Deep Attack at the Tactical Edge
During African Lion 26, G-TEAD synchronized critical elements to demonstrate emerging technologies against USAREUR-AF's deep-attack and counterattack theater requirements. This coordination successfully aligned a diverse portfolio of cutting-edge tactical systems, including Anduril’s Long-Range Precision Munition and Ghost X, Performance Drone Works’ C-100 quadcopter, and Nokturnal’s Nightmare system.
While facilitating this broader portfolio, G-TEAD focused its most direct, hands-on operational integration and evaluation efforts on two key industry partners: Mach Industries and Kraken Kinetics. Working alongside PAE Fires and PAE Maneuver Air, G-TEAD directly deployed and assessed Mach's Micro High Altitude Balloons—equipped with the Gremzi Camera and Stratos Darkwing—and evaluated Kraken Kinetics’ Terminus Fire Control Module. Testing these systems in a demanding, real-world environment with the units that are intended to utilize the technology successfully delivered the critical performance data required to validate their readiness under operational stress.
Beyond securing invaluable warfighter feedback, this rigorous operational data directly drives rapid system refinement, tactical doctrine, and strategic acquisition. Specifically, the data feeds critical effectiveness reports back to developers for immediate hardware and software optimization, provides the operational insights needed to modernize tactics, techniques, and procedures, and delivers the objective procurement recommendations that will shape future Joint Force investments.
Looking Ahead to African Lion 27
Aside from G-TEAD’s success at the tactical edge during the exercise, the organization engaged with several key defense and Army senior leaders who recognized them for their efforts and unique operational structure. These engagements included the Secretary of the Army, who validated G-TEAD's forward-deployed model and backed their roadmap for future Army Service Component Command expansion.
G-TEAD is already planning to expand its footprint for next year's event. Utilizing the capability gaps identified during this year's exercise, the organization aims to select and finalize its next-generation technology portfolio by late summer or early fall to ensure a broader, more robust integration at African Lion 27.
About G-TEAD
The Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT)’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) is the force’s premier acquisition hub, designed to close the gap between evolving threats and the speed of delivering critical solutions. G-TEAD’s mission is to rapidly transform Commanders’ urgent needs into combat-ready, interoperable systems, ensuring Soldiers sustain battlefield dominance in any environment.
Through synchronized efforts across the acquisition enterprise and close collaboration with allied partners, G-TEAD accelerates the delivery of minimum viable products (MVPs) to theater, bridging innovation with mission success. As the Army’s central hub for agile capability deployment, G-TEAD ensures Soldiers are equipped with the tools they need to win—wherever and whenever the fight arises.
About The Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT)
The Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology accelerates Army modernization through dual-use innovation, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven outcomes. As a critical enabler of Army acquisition reform, PIT injects capability faster by getting in the dirt with the Soldier, performing prototyping at the edge and delivering operational impact at the speed of relevance.
The PIT serves as a critical hub that integrates the efforts of three essential organizations within the Army innovation enterprise. Army FUZE, the Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP), and the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) serve as the operational backbone of the PIT, underpinned by a unified vision to see, share, synchronize, and scale.
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