US Army Reserve Tests Drones and Counter-UAS Systems From 21 Firms at Northern Strike 26-2

The U.S. Army Reserve evaluated more than 20 emerging technologies from 21 commercial firms during Northern Strike 26-2 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in August 2026. The exercise brought unmanned aircraft, counter-drone equipment and other tactical systems into field conditions so soldiers could assess employment, interoperability and usefulness during realistic military training. Reserve innovation personnel coordinated demonstrations with industry participants and operational units between August 3 and 8, allowing developers to collect feedback on system performance and user requirements. These activities were evaluations rather than procurement awards, and participation does not establish that all tested equipment has been selected for operational fielding.