XVIII Airborne Corps concludes exercise Scarlet Dragon, advancing joint force capabilities with AI and new technology

By Staff Report, posted Dec 18, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

An AH-64 Apache helicopter provides aerial overwatch during Scarlet Dragon 26-1 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Dec. 9, 2025. The exercise tests how aviation platforms integrate with ground-based air defense systems to create a shared air picture and accelerate decision making against modern aerial threats. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. PS Bailey Whilden)

The XVIII Airborne Corps concluded the latest iteration of its ground-breaking exercise series, Scarlet Dragon, which ran from Dec. 1-11, 2025. The exercise focused on testing and validating a single data layer to create a seamless connection between sensors, shooters and decision-makers across the joint force, enhancing battlefield efficiency and lethality.

A key event occurred on Dec. 8, when the 18th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) conducted cold load training, loading and unloading a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) onto an Air Force C-17 aircraft. This training was instrumental in testing new HIMARS software that enables the system to automatically generate its land geolocation after being airborne. This development negates the need for manual system changes, enabling better targeting and allowing fire-support platforms to rapidly "jump" to new firing locations with Air Force assistance, significantly increasing survivability.

From Dec. 9-11, advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology was tested in a dynamic field environment. The exercise integrated AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Sentinel radars from the 82nd Airborne Division and newly fielded SGT STOUT systems from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. The Sentinel radars and SGT STOUTs tracked Apaches and drones, pushing data to the Corps Headquarters to validate faster early warning systems for troops on the ground. During the exercise, Apache pilots tested their ability to identify and track small, Group 1 drones, while the SGT STOUT teams validated their role within the unified data layer. The integration of the SGT STOUT into the maneuver force is a critical step in providing protection against short-range air threats.

Beginning in 2020, the Scarlet Dragon exercise series was founded by the XVIII Airborne Corps to serve as a venue for all services to use data, artificial intelligence, and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) to enable decision dominance. This close collaboration with industry partners is essential to rapidly field and refine emerging technologies, ensuring soldiers have the best tools to face any threat.

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