2nd Cavalry Scouts Utilize Drones for Reconnaissance Operations

2nd Cavalry Regiment Adopts Unmanned Systems for Reconnaissance

In a forest near Grafenwöhr, Germany, the scouts of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment are utilizing advanced technology to enhance their reconnaissance capabilities. As reported by the 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, these soldiers are employing unmanned systems, including ground robots and drones, to conduct operations while minimizing risk to personnel.

Overview of the Unmanned Systems

The new reconnaissance approach features a two-part unmanned team centered around the Project Origin vehicle, a robotic combat vehicle that the Army has been testing since 2021. This system includes:

• PBAS-G (Purpose Built Attritable System-Ground): An unmanned ground vehicle that advances ahead of the Stryker to detect electronic signatures and signs of enemy activity.
• PBAS-A (Purpose Built Attritable System-Air): A drone that launches from the PBAS-G, providing aerial reconnaissance.

Once the PBAS-G reaches a tactical position, it opens a hatch to deploy the PBAS-A, allowing a single scout crew to receive simultaneous ground-level and aerial feeds. Both systems are modular and can be equipped with various payloads for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or combat missions.

Development of Indigenous Drone Capabilities

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s initiative to develop its own drones stems from a significant reconnaissance gap following the divestment of its legacy unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Instead of waiting for formal procurement solutions, the regiment opted to create its own capabilities.

Under Project Flytrap, which began in early 2025, the regiment restructured to include UAS sections that specialize in drone development and operation. Soldiers received extensive training, including hands-on experience in designing and 3D-printing their own PBAS systems. By September 2025, the regiment was actively using hundreds of drones in multinational exercises.

Learning from Global Conflicts

The development of these unmanned systems was influenced by observations of modern warfare, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The 2nd Cavalry has been training Ukrainian soldiers and adapting lessons learned from their experiences. The regiment’s UAS standardization officer noted that the capability gap left by Army restructuring was addressed by examining the effective use of drones in contemporary combat scenarios.

As conflicts evolve, the importance of unmanned systems on the battlefield becomes increasingly evident. The 2nd Cavalry’s PBAS-G and PBAS-A systems aim to ensure that they maintain a strategic advantage in reconnaissance operations.

Conclusion

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s efforts to develop and deploy its own unmanned systems represent a significant shift in military operations. By leveraging innovative technologies and adapting quickly to emerging threats, the regiment is setting a precedent for future military engagements. However, challenges remain regarding the cost and scalability of these systems compared to those used by other nations, particularly in light of the rapid advancements seen in Ukraine.