Drones, Networks, and Electronic Warfare: The Army Prepares for the Battlefield of the Future

The conflicts of recent years have profoundly transformed the way military operations are conceived and conducted. The dominance of information, the spread of remotely piloted systems, the growing cyber threat, and the constant competition in the electromagnetic spectrum require the Armed Forces to develop increasingly integrated capabilities. Today, it is no longer sufficient to have modern platforms: sensors, command systems, communication networks, electronic warfare, and highly qualified personnel must operate as a single system, capable of quickly adapting to the evolution of the battlefield.

In this context, the 2nd Operational Drone Workshop, organized by the 41st IMINT Regiment "Cordenons" at the Monte Romano Range, and the exercise "Lira 2026", promoted by the Transmission Command at various locations across the national territory, are part of the picture. Both activities, planned by the Combat Support Forces Command, represent a fundamental step in the modernization path of the Italian Army, with the aim of consolidating operational readiness through realistic, multi-domain training consistent with NATO standards.

Modern operations indeed require perfect integration between offensive capabilities, information gathering, communication protection, and resilience of digital infrastructures. Training thus assumes a strategic role, allowing for the experimentation of procedures, verification of the effectiveness of available technologies, and development of the decision-making flexibility essential for operating in environments characterized by increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable threats.

The 2nd Operational Drone Workshop, the Evolution of Unmanned Systems in the Field

The 2nd Operational Drone Workshop, hosted at the Monte Romano Range, saw the participation of numerous units from the Operational Area engaged in the use of remotely piloted systems. The exercise recreated a highly realistic and non-permissive context, simulating a modern battlefield where operators had to face constantly evolving threats and scenarios characterized by high tactical complexity.

During the activity, all the main types of drones in the Armed Force's inventory were employed, including FPV (First Person View) platforms, used both for observation missions and offensive deployments. In parallel, procedures dedicated to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions were developed, essential for ensuring constant battlefield awareness and supporting commanders' decision-making processes.

Great emphasis was also placed on integration with electronic warfare systems, through activities of detection, tracking, and countering hostile drones. The forces simulating the adversary operated with full initiative freedom, forcing operators to continuously adapt their procedures and develop increasingly effective reaction capabilities.

"Lira 2026", Protected Communications and Resilience for Command and Control

In parallel, the exercise "Lira 2026" focused the training on the ability to ensure continuity of Command and Control even in a degraded electromagnetic and cyber environment. The activity, developed between Rome, Civitavecchia, Avellino, Sacile, and Fontanafredda, involved the transmission regiments in simulating support for a Division-level Combat Large Unit, according to NATO standards.

The Task Force formed for the occasion operated by countering the simulated jamming actions by the Army C4 Command, the 9th Cyber Security Regiment "ROMBO", and the Electronic Technical Unit, verifying the resilience of communication networks and the ability to keep digital infrastructures operational even under pressure. Particular attention was paid to the creation of Concealed Command Posts, designed to reduce electromagnetic, logistical, and thermal signatures through camouflage and deception techniques, while simultaneously consolidating the technical capabilities of the transmission units.

Following the final phases of the exercise was the Commander of the Combat Support Forces, Lieutenant General Giovanni Gagliano, who emphasized the value of training as an essential element for ensuring operational effectiveness and readiness of the Armed Force. Activities like the Operational Drone Workshop and "Lira 2026" confirm the Italian Army's evolution path towards full integration between unmanned systems, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and command networks, today indispensable elements of multi-domain operations.