The US military tested a range of next-gen systems at Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona, providing a rare look at technologies aimed at reshaping communication, surveillance, and troop safety on the battlefield.
The trials, part of the inaugural Experimentation: Transformation in Contact (EXTIC) event, brought together military officials and defense firms to showcase gear that can link decision-makers with troops on the ground.
“This makes every warfighter not only more lethal but safer,” said Chris Shumac, engagement manager at the US Department of Defense. “It’s helping them extend their capabilities, it’s helping them be aware of emerging technologies.”
News4 Tucson’s Chief Investigative Reporter Chorus Nylander was granted exclusive access to the closed event, observing companies demonstrating tools for real-time data sharing, enhanced situational awareness, and rapid deployment.
Cutting-Edge Gear Hits the Field
Digital Force Technologies unveiled the Apollo, a surveillance system combining high-resolution camera and radar for wider detection coverage.
Echomav presented a fully 3D-printed drone, designed to lower long-term costs, improve troop safety, and can be repaired in the field.
KaizenLabs demonstrated a helmet with drone detection capability priced under $1,000, giving troops critical seconds of early warning.
A standout in the event was Archnet, a compact system that connected Fort Huachuca with the Playas Research and Training Center in New Mexico — roughly 170 miles (274 kilometers) away — for live data sharing.
Shumac described the demonstration as “proof of concept,” noting that the goal is to connect multiple military ranges into a single operational picture.
Data from the trials will be used to inform future development and help prepare these systems for potential combat deployment.
