Small UAS, CBRN exercise takes place during Mosaic Lightning 26-2
United States airmen from the 355th Wing Drone Innovation Cell conducted a small uncrewed aircraft system exercise that simulated a CBRN attack on a military installation during Mosaic Lightning 26-2 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on 8 May 2026.
According to information published by the base, Mosaic Lightning 26-2 is a combat readiness exercise that assesses the wing’s ability to rapidly mobilise, deploy and sustain operations in contested environments, ensuring operational capability under pressure.
The small uncrewed aircraft system exercise within Mosaic Lightning 26-2 tested the installation’s ability to detect and respond to simulated CBRN attacks delivered by a commercial-off-the-shelf uncrewed aircraft system while coordinating with multiple response teams.
Airmen acting as an opposing threat launched small uncrewed aircraft systems from concealed locations around the installation using environmentally safe training payloads designed to replicate real-world attack conditions.
Airmen assigned to the 355th Security Forces Squadron and 355th Civil Engineer Squadron worked together throughout the exercise to evaluate and respond to the situation.
The exercise also highlighted the role of grassroots innovation across the Air Force. The operation was made possible through collaboration and willingness to embrace calculated risk and develop new capabilities internally.
