Trace Systems Showcases Cutting-Edge M-DRIVE Architecture at AFRL Future Flag 25-2 Exercise

Trace Systems Inc. made a notable presence at the Air Force Research Lab's (AFRL) Future Flag 25-2 event, which took place at Griffis, Rome, NY, in late September 2025. This significant exercise aimed to evaluate and enhance advanced tactical edge capabilities, including radio frequency (RF) spectrum detection and sensor exploitation, which are essential for developing a secure common operational picture across multiple domains.

Trace’s engagement underscores their commitment to providing decision advantages to military operations at the tactical edge. The company took this opportunity to demonstrate various ruggedized high-performance computing solutions, showcasing their innovative M-DRIVE multi-domain hosting architecture. This architecture is designed to support advanced sensing and communication technologies, which are integral to simulating and improving real-world operational scenarios.

During the exercise, Trace's technologies showcased how they enhance secure communications and improve mission scenarios by facilitating swift and secure data processing at the tactical edge. The collaborative nature of the event allowed Trace to work closely with military personnel, solidifying their role as a trusted partner in the defense community.

Steve Bagley, the Vice President of Intelligence Solutions at Trace, stated, "Our participation in Future Flag 25-2 alongside our military and commercial partners at Griffiss is further validating and advancing complex sensing and edge processing solutions in support of national security." He emphasized the necessity of integrating government and commercial mission applications on transport-agnostic platforms, which aim to mitigate critical capability gaps in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS operations while enhancing decision superiority on the tactical edge.

The Future Flag 25-2 exercise, spearheaded by AFRL's Transformational Capability Office, was designed to validate, enhance, and mature prototype technologies under realistic conditions. Trace's participation reinforced its position as a pioneer in advancing highly integrated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) capabilities. These innovations leverage the latest IT and communication technologies to support deployed forces in expeditionary operations.

With a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges associated with edge-based communications and sensing faced by defense organizations, Trace Systems remains dedicated to providing mission-critical capabilities. Their commitment to delivering innovative solutions demonstrates their role in facilitating rapid access to multi-domain data critical for military success across various echelons.

As Trace Systems continues its journey, it focuses on prototyping and demonstrating its cutting-edge solutions not just at exercises like Future Flag but also throughout the future fiscal year of 2026 and beyond. The endeavor aims to address evolving challenges and enhance the capabilities of U.S. military operations, ensuring safety, reliability, and effectiveness in increasingly complex environments.

In conclusion, Trace Systems stands out as a transformative player in the landscape of tactical edge solutions, with their latest demonstrations marking a significant step forward in advancing military technology and response capabilities. As they move forward, the defense industry can expect even more innovative developments from Trace Systems in its pursuit of operational superiority.