As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance combat capabilities, the U.S. Army recently deployed the Anduril Ghost X, a cutting-edge Medium-Range Reconnaissance (MRR) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS), during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) in Hohenfels, Germany. The training, involving soldiers from the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division, highlights the U.S. Army’s increasing reliance on unmanned systems as part of its broader transformation effort under the Transforming in Contact initiative.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division train with the Anduril Ghost X drone during Combined Resolve 25-01 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, on January 15, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
Approximately 4,000 participants from NATO Allies and European partners will take part in Combined Resolve 25-1 at the U.S. Army’s Hohenfels Training Area from January 17 to February 16, 2025, further emphasizing the scale and international collaboration of the exercise.
The Anduril Ghost X is a helicopter-design advanced, medium-range aerial drone specifically developed for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering operations at the company level. As a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS), the Ghost X offers significant advantages in mobility, intelligence collection, and situational awareness for ground forces. Its helicopter-like design provides vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate in confined or challenging environments where traditional fixed-wing drones would struggle. This makes it an invaluable tool for infantry units deployed in diverse operational areas, enhancing flexibility and tactical effectiveness on the battlefield.
The Ghost X is part of the U.S. Army’s broader effort to integrate advanced technology into its operational doctrine, enabling faster decision-making and more accurate, real-time intelligence to enhance battlefield effectiveness. With its ability to carry various payloads, including sensors and cameras, it allows soldiers to conduct surveillance over longer distances, with minimal risk to personnel. The drone’s versatility makes it an ideal solution for modern warfare, particularly in high-intensity, fast-moving conflicts where the need for timely information is critical.
In terms of technical features, the Anduril Ghost X is equipped with a high-performance camera system, capable of capturing both day and night imagery, allowing soldiers to maintain situational awareness in low-light conditions. The drone can operate for up to 8 hours on a single charge, covering a range of up to 100 kilometers, depending on the operational conditions. It also boasts advanced GPS and geospatial intelligence capabilities, enabling it to pinpoint targets with high accuracy. The Ghost X’s helicopter-like design allows for rapid deployment and easy integration into existing infantry operations, enhancing its value in real-world combat situations.
The conflict in Ukraine has become a pivotal case study for military strategists worldwide in understanding the evolving role of unmanned systems in warfare. Drones, especially small and tactical ones, have played an increasingly prominent role in the Ukrainian military’s operations against Russia. From intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to combat operations such as precision strikes and even tactical resupply missions, drones have proven to be force multipliers on the battlefield.
The experiences of Ukraine have underscored several key lessons about the importance of drones in modern combat scenarios: enhanced situational awareness, low-cost, high-impact operations, force multiplication, and flexibility. Drones have proven invaluable in providing real-time intelligence, allowing commanders to make quicker, better-informed decisions. The ability to monitor enemy positions, identify weaknesses, and track troop movements in near real-time has made drones an indispensable tool in contemporary warfare. Furthermore, small drones, like the Ghost X, offer high-value reconnaissance and strike capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional manned systems, while also offering reduced operational risk.
Drones also act as force multipliers, allowing smaller units to operate with the same or greater impact as larger forces. For example, the integration of the Ghost X at the company echelon enables even smaller, more agile units to conduct sustained ISR missions without relying heavily on larger, more expensive platforms or personnel. The adaptability of drones — their ability to perform surveillance, targeting, and electronic warfare missions — has made them indispensable in the Ukrainian conflict, where battlefield dynamics shift rapidly.
The U.S. Army’s participation in Combined Resolve 25-01 serves as a critical step in ensuring that it remains at the forefront of unmanned systems technology. Through initiatives like Transforming in Contact, the Army is actively integrating new technologies that are not just futuristic but operationally relevant in the face of current and future threats.
By using drones like the Anduril Ghost X, U.S. Army units can gather crucial intelligence, enhance their battlefield awareness, and adapt to an evolving threat environment. With drones providing a detailed, real-time picture of the battlefield, commanders can make informed decisions quickly, potentially outpacing adversaries who are still relying on traditional methods of reconnaissance and communication.
Furthermore, the Ghost X drone’s small size, low operational costs, and ease of deployment make it highly effective for unit-level operations. This is particularly important for the Army’s efforts to enhance its responsiveness in dynamic conflict zones, where speed, precision, and situational awareness are often the difference between success and failure.
The training conducted at Combined Resolve 25-01 emphasizes the strategic importance of unmanned systems in modern military doctrine. As armies around the world continue to adapt to the complexities of contemporary warfare — including hybrid warfare, irregular conflicts, and asymmetric threats — drones like the Ghost X are likely to become even more integral to military operations. Their ability to provide persistent surveillance, strike capabilities, and force projection without the risks associated with manned systems is revolutionizing how militaries think about power projection, intelligence, and decision-making.
The incorporation of drones into company-level operations signals a shift toward more agile, responsive military formations. This is especially important in light of lessons learned from conflicts like the war in Ukraine, where adaptability and speed are paramount. As the U.S. Army integrates more advanced drones into its arsenal, it will be better equipped to confront the demands of modern warfare, enhancing its ability to respond rapidly to global crises while minimizing risk to personnel.
The deployment of the Anduril Ghost X at Combined Resolve 25-01 is more than just a technological demonstration; it is part of a broader transformation in military tactics that embraces the power of unmanned systems. The experience gained from Ukraine’s use of drones, coupled with the U.S. Army’s ongoing technological integration, underscores the growing importance of drones in modern military operations — a trend that is likely to shape the future of warfare. The involvement of NATO Allies and European partners in this exercise underscores the collective commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies that will shape the next generation of military capabilities across the globe.
