US Army forces under Central Command (CENTCOM) showcased a new medium-lift drone capable of delivering critical supplies to forward-deployed troops during a training exercise in early June.

The Driving Innovation and Realistic Training (DIRT) event demonstrated the military's push to integrate cutting-edge technology into battlefield operations.

The Tactical Resupply Vehicle-150 (TRV-150), named for its 150-pound carrying capacity, offers vertical takeoff and landing capabilities that enable rapid and precise delivery across complex terrain.

With a maximum range of up to 45km, depending on payload, the unmanned aircraft promises to reduce the need for ground-based resupply missions that often carry greater risk in contested environments.

"We don't always have every piece of equipment that we need available to us while in the field," said DIRT drone operator Spc. Marvin Mazariego, who is assigned to the 1836th Transportation Company.

"The drone is able to travel far, dropping off our needs in minutes versus waiting hours coordinating with another team to meet us at our location."

Multi-domain preparedness

The DIRT event required two weeks of preparation, during which soldiers within the CENTCOM area of responsibility learned to assemble, operate and coordinate flights with the TRV-150.

The training emphasized multi-domain skills that bridge air, land and cyber operations, helping soldiers understand how drone logistics integrate with broader battlefield planning and mission execution.

Beyond its tactical applications, the exercise reinforced the United States' commitment to serving as a reliable defense partner in the Middle East.

By fielding and refining the TRV-150, the US military enhances its ability to respond quickly in support of its regional partners, bringing technological solutions and operational reliability to collective defense efforts.

The DIRT event underscores how agile equipment plays a crucial role in meeting evolving threats, with the TRV-150 representing what officials describe as a small drone with outsized impact on force protection and mission success.