Paratroopers recently took part in a groundbreaking test of an autonomous vehicle equipped with artificial intelligence during the multinational exercise Agile Spirit 25.

The trial took place at the Vaziani Training Area in Georgia on July 29, as part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to explore new technology that can enhance soldier safety and efficiency on the battlefield.

Agile Spirit 25 is a biennial military exercise aimed at maintaining stability and security in the Black Sea Region.

Col. Will Cox, the co-exercise director, explained that the operation brings together allied forces to strengthen collective defense and improve interoperability.

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Within this framework, soldiers were able to put the Overland AI ULTRA Fully Autonomous Tactical Vehicle prototype through its paces in real-world conditions.

Adam Ungar, senior program manager at Overland AI, highlighted the key motivation for the project. “We’re trying to keep soldiers off the front lines and keep our warfighters safe,” he said.

Ungar explained that the autonomous system could be sent into dangerous areas in place of a human soldier, thereby reducing the risk of casualties.

The ULTRA is a rugged, all-wheel-drive vehicle designed for challenging terrain. It has a top speed of 35 miles per hour and can carry up to 1,000 pounds of supplies. Depending on the terrain, it can travel up to 100 miles at a steady 20 miles per hour.

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According to Overland AI co-founder and chief executive officer Byron Boots, “Uncrewed systems are radically changing the character of war. We are developing autonomous ground vehicles like ULTRA to provide safety by taking the warfighter out of harm’s way.”

During the exercise, the ULTRA was tasked with resupplying 60mm and 120mm mortar units. Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry, 173rd Airborne Brigade were already familiar with the system.

“I actually did some training on it [the ULTRA] back in Germany about two months ago,” said Pfc. Jonathan Brooks, a mortarman with the unit. This prior experience helped the soldiers integrate the vehicle into the resupply operations seamlessly.

Jonathan Fauth, lead exercise planner for the U.S. European Command-directed Agile Spirit 2025, said the aim was to test the practical application of new technology in a combat environment.

“Exercises are the way we practice and test those capabilities,” he noted. “We break something, we fix it, then we come back and do it again.”

The ULTRA can operate under direct supervision when connected through the Internet or satellites with a re-transmitting signal. It can also execute pre-programmed routes, moving in designated patterns or to exact coordinates. This adaptability allows it to be deployed in both connected and disconnected environments.

Some soldiers expressed optimism about the future of such systems. “I would love to see more of it [the ULTRA] in the future,” said Spc. Jack Padberg, another mortarman with the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment. “I think it can help us, as mortars, a lot.”

Overland AI emphasizes that ULTRA is an affordable, attritable system, meaning it is designed to be expendable if necessary. “ULTRA is designed to be attritable and costs more than an order of magnitude less than a traditional crewed combat vehicle,” Boots explained.

“Removing the need to protect a human operator allows for lighter, more affordable systems that can be deployed at scale. This represents both a financial shift and a moral one that enables commanders to deliver effects without putting Soldiers at unnecessary risk.”

Looking ahead, the capabilities of ULTRA could expand well beyond ammunition delivery. Ungar said that Overland AI intends to test the vehicle in breaching operations and medical evacuation scenarios.

“Breaching complex obstacles is among the most dangerous tasks for any unit,” added Chris Higgins, director of business development at Overland AI.

“We have been working closely alongside multiple engineer brigades to develop uncrewed solutions that leverage autonomy for breaching operations. These systems are being developed in partnership with the Army to ensure that robots, not humans, are first through the breach.”

The demonstration at Agile Spirit 25 reflects the U.S. Army’s increasing interest in autonomous systems that can operate effectively in high-risk environments.

Because the ULTRA can reduce direct exposure for soldiers, improve logistical efficiency, and adapt to various mission needs, it represents a significant step toward integrating AI and robotics into modern warfare. At the same time, the technology underscores a growing shift in military strategy, where safeguarding human life is as much a priority as mission success.

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