In the arid desert outside of Agadir, American and Moroccan troops are engaged in a critical exercise to evaluate new electronic warfare technology and tactics. This joint effort represents a vital step in restoring and updating capabilities that were disbanded after the Cold War.
The heart of this operation lies with the US Army’s 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF). Their mission: to hunt down enemy radars and radio transmitters, pinpoint their exact locations, and neutralize them. This can be achieved either temporarily using drone-borne jammers or permanently through lethal drones. Alternatively, the MDTF can relay target coordinates to their in-house artillery, which is now equipped with long-range missile launchers.
Arcane Thunder 24 took place from Aug. 6 through Aug. 15, 2024, at Agadir, Morocco. This exercise demonstrated the strength of Morocco and U.S. partnerships in synchronizing non-lethal effects across all domains. Arcane Thunder 24 marked a significant advancement in multi-domain operations and partnership between the U.S. and Morocco. Approximately 300 service members from the U.S., Morocco, the United Kingdom and Germany, took part in Exercise Arcane Thunder 24 in Germany and Morocco. The exercise built on the strong and strategic relationship between Morocco and the U.S. to ensure that partner forces are equipped with the capability to synchronize and employ non-lethal effects across all domains.
Lt. Col. Aaron Ritzema, commander of the Multi-Domain Effects Battalion, succinctly describes their role: “We ‘find and fix’ any potential target that we then pass on for further effects.” While the concept echoes the age-old duties of scouts and light cavalry, the tools at their disposal have evolved dramatically. Rather than limiting their search to land, the battalion conducts “multi-domain reconnaissance,” integrating aerial drones, cybersecurity software, and satellite feeds.
Arcane Thunder 24: A Binational Exercise
Arcane Thunder, now in its second iteration, brings together the 2nd MDTF and Moroccan forces. This year’s exercise is significantly more ambitious than the inaugural field test held in Central Europe. Major Mouad Zerrik, a Moroccan signal officer with two decades of experience in the Royal Armed Forces, emphasizes the opportunity for strengthened cooperation. The Moroccans participated in early planning, concept development, classroom training on electronic and cyber warfare, and are now actively engaged alongside American counterparts, working with drones and portable electronic warfare (EW) equipment.
Real-Time Coordination and Unclassified Information
The exercise operates within the bounds of unclassified information, using a scenario originally developed for a previous Moroccan wargame. Notably, the two countries share data almost instantaneously via a common network. To achieve this, they employ the publicly available WinTAK software, a civilian Windows version of the renowned Android Tactical Assault Kit. This real-time coordination is crucial, given the increased complexity of technology and tactics since the last Arcane Thunder exercise in Poland.
Cutting-Edge Tools
In 2023, the battalion deployed three “tethered aerostats” — modern versions of Civil War observation balloons — which scanned wide areas for suspect signals. These aerostats then guided follow-up drone flights to narrow down target coordinates. In Arcane Thunder 24, the battalion continues to use aerostats, along with two different drones. Additionally, they have access to a pair of Triton unmanned surface vessels on loan from the Navy’s Task Force 66.
The exercise features two types of drones optimized for long surveillance flights: the Kraus Hamadi Aerospace K-1000 and the Shield AI V-BAT. These drones must cover extensive distances, with the battalion headquarters stationed in Agadir while drone launch-and-recovery teams operate over 30 miles away, simulating distant targets.
The Kraus Hamadi Aerospace K-1000 is a 40-pound UAV that can stay aloft for days on solar power. Complementing it is the Shield AI V-BAT, which weighs more (125 lbs) and has a shorter flight time (about 10 hours) but has the advantage of taking off and landing vertically like a helicopter, without needing a runway or catapult launcher.
As Arcane Thunder 24 unfolds, the collaboration between US and Moroccan forces exemplifies the cutting edge of electronic warfare technology and tactics.
