US and British Forces Advance Anti-Drone Warfare with Project FlyTrap in Poland.

As drone threats continue to grow on today’s battlefields, US and British forces are conducting an intensive series of joint training exercises in Poland and Germany under Project FlyTrap, a multinational program focused on developing and integrating counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions. Led by the US Army’s V Corps, the project began in June 2025 and will run through the end of August, with a key phase held from July 27 to 31 at the Bemowo Piskie training area near Elk, Poland. This final phase, designated Project FlyTrap 4.0, involves the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment and elements of the British Royal Yorkshire Regiment in a realistic setting simulating prolonged operations at the company and battalion levels.
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The exercise includes tools such as handheld jammers, kinetic interceptors, and sensor fusion platforms (Picture source: US DoD)

Designed to address the rapid evolution of aerial threats, Project FlyTrap aims to test portable, low-cost C-UAS solutions adaptable to units deployed in the field. These systems are evaluated in dynamic scenarios that require real-time detection, tracking, and neutralization of hostile drones. The exercise includes tools such as handheld jammers, kinetic interceptors, and sensor fusion platforms. According to General Charles Costanza, commander of V Corps, this training is a key element in adapting allied force doctrine to the widespread use of smaller, autonomous, and more accessible drones.

The 4.0 iteration introduces a new component to the series: the active participation of defense industry partners, notably the Australian company DroneShield, which has focused exclusively on C-UAS technologies for over 11 years. Now operating in more than 40 countries with nearly 4,000 units deployed, DroneShield has acquired operational experience in high-threat environments, particularly in Ukraine. For FlyTrap, the company provided equipment such as the DroneGun Mk4, tested in the field by British and American troops. According to Tom Branstetter, vice president of business development and sales, these exercises serve as a critical step for validating technologies before they enter operational service.

DroneShield’s participation reflects a growing trend of integrating commercial technologies into military environments, especially in hybrid domains such as electronic warfare and cyber-electromagnetic activities. During the maneuvers, British soldiers from the Royal Yorkshire Regiment operated DroneShield equipment alongside their US counterparts. The cooperation culminated in a first for US Army training: a live grenade drop from a drone, conducted jointly by personnel from the 7th Army Training Command, the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Beyond its technical scope, Project FlyTrap also addresses a broader strategic goal: enhancing interoperability within NATO. Under the framework of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP), the exercise includes rotational contributions from the United States, the United Kingdom, Croatia, and Romania, underscoring the alliance’s efforts to align doctrines and strengthen collective deterrence against hybrid threats. The outcomes of this final phase are expected to inform acquisition and capability planning across US Army Europe and allied forces.

Ultimately, Project FlyTrap serves both as a testing ground for counter-drone measures and a platform for collaboration between allied militaries and industry. By combining proven technologies, operational feedback from recent conflicts, and joint coordination, the exercise helps lay the foundation for a C-UAS doctrine suited to the conditions of modern warfare. Future tactical advantage will depend on the ability to counter autonomous aerial threats before they disrupt maneuver operations.