The United States Army conducted a field demonstration of Elbit America’s SlingWorks launched effects system during the CDF CFWE 26 exercise at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground.
The test involved collaboration between the SlingWorks development team and soldiers from the 1st Armored Division to evaluate the system’s ability to deliver targeting data and precision strike capability using existing Army networks.
According to the Aviation Future Capability Directorate, the system was assessed for its ability to deliver engagement-quality data through existing Army network infrastructure. During the exercise, SlingWorks demonstrated the capacity to detect and classify targets at extended ranges using autonomous recognition capabilities.
Officials said the platform’s autonomy and automated target recognition enabled it to cue other assets, helping sensors and shooters share targeting information more quickly and shortening the kill chain.The demonstration also included integration of the SkyStriker loitering munition within the SlingWorks architecture, providing soldiers with an organic precision strike capability at medium ranges.
Loitering munitions, often described as kamikaze drones, combine surveillance and strike functions in a single platform, allowing operators to locate, track, and engage targets without separate reconnaissance and attack systems.
During the experiment, SlingWorks operated within existing Army digital command networks to transmit targeting data between sensors and weapons in near real time. The system’s autonomy features help reduce the time required for soldiers to identify threats and coordinate strikes across multiple platforms.
The event also examined industrial readiness, including the manufacturer’s ability to scale production and supply sufficient munitions for high-intensity operations. Ensuring adequate production capacity for unmanned systems and precision weapons has become a growing priority for military planners.
The CDF CFWE 26 exercise brought together Army units, researchers, and industry partners to evaluate emerging technologies under operational conditions before possible adoption by frontline forces in future conflicts and modernization efforts.
Top Photo: SkyStriker loitering munition. (Aviation Future Capability Directorate)
Source: Defence Blog