Advancements in Command and Control at Lightning Surge 2
Overview of the Exercise
On February 27, 2026, a critical live-fire exercise was conducted at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as part of Lightning Surge 2. This event showcased the collaborative efforts between the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division (25ID) and the Capability Program Executive Command and Control Information Network (CPE C2IN), with significant contributions from the Lockheed Martin Team. The focus was the demonstration of their Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype, designed to enhance situational awareness and strike capabilities across multiple echelons.
Importance of the Initiative
Lockheed Martin has strategically partnered with companies such as Raft, Accelint, and Rune to showcase AI-driven data capabilities. This collaboration integrates mission application layers with the Army’s C2 Fix transport and computational frameworks, culminating in a comprehensive NGC2 prototype.
Enhancing Sensor to Shooter Operations
During the Lightning Surge 2 exercise, soldiers from 25ID utilized the Lockheed Martin team’s NGC2 prototype to streamline sensor-to-shooter operations effectively. This involved the real-time assessment and execution of artillery fire, including:
- HIMARS Rocket Systems
- M777 Howitzers
The rapid integration of various data streams allowed for effective communication and operational execution under live-fire conditions, including:
- Electronic warfare targeting information
- Drone video surveillance
- Battle damage assessments
Raft’s Data Platform served as the foundational layer, facilitating seamless connectivity among these diverse information sources.
Innovative Command Interface
Utilizing Raft’s AI Mission System, the 25ID personnel were able to issue voice commands that automated numerous tasks. This included merging high-definition video feeds with real-time drone locations, significantly reducing the reaction time between target acquisition and fire clearance.
Simultaneously, Accelint’s Neo mission-command interface provided commanders with a unified view of the operational landscape. This multi-source feed amalgamation yielded:
- Live tracking data
- UAS positioning
- Enhanced situational clarity in contested environments
Logistics and Sustainment Improvements
As fire missions were executed, the automatic recording of ammunition levels was linked to Rune’s TyrOS Platform. This capability offers advanced logistics and sustainment forecasting, addressing critical issues in modern military operations by equipping commanders with precise, predictive logistical information.
Insights from Leadership
Chandra Marshall, Vice President of Multi-Domain Combat Systems at Lockheed Martin, articulated the importance of collaboration: “Participation in the U.S. Army’s NGC2 initiative and Lightning Surge events demonstrates the collective potential of the Army, the 25th Infantry Division, Lockheed Martin, and leading industry partners. Our agile team continually adapts to the unit’s evolving needs, accelerating the delivery of warfighter-centric capabilities to the battlefield.”
Future Endeavors
Participant feedback from soldiers is a cornerstone for continuous improvement in the Lightning Surge exercises. Each iteration of the NGC2 prototype is designed to evolve, incorporating newfound functionalities within Raft’s data framework. As operational demands shift, new capabilities will surface via the Neo mission command interface.
Looking ahead, Lightning Surge 3 is slated for April 2026, with an emphasis on airspace mission threads to further support the objectives of the 25ID.
This ongoing initiative highlights significant strides in military command and control systems, ensuring that soldiers are equipped for future challenges while maintaining operational superiority in dynamic environments.
