U.S. Marines used a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System to deliver simulated blood during a multinational exercise in Townsville, Australia, on July 23, 2026, as part of efforts to test medical resupply capabilities in contested environments.

The exercise, called Predator’s Run, involved U.S., Australian and Philippine forces and was part of the Marine Rotation Force-Darwin deployment, which aims to prepare troops for operations in contested settings.

The drone carried a refrigerated container with simulated blood about 1.5 miles from an Australian aid station to a U.S. aid station.

The TRUAS can transport up to 150 pounds of cargo for roughly 9 miles and flies at speeds up to 60 mph at an altitude of about 400 feet.

It is operated by two Marines using preprogrammed waypoint navigation.

The system entered Marine Corps service in 2023 with 3rd Littoral Logistics Battalion.

Marines also operated Archer drones for reconnaissance and simulated strike missions. Those drones can carry munitions and engage targets up to 12 miles away.

Approximately 250 Marines trained with about 1,000 Australian soldiers and 120 Philippine troops during the annual exercise, which began on July 16 after a 32‑hour bus trip from Darwin.

The test demonstrates the potential for rapid, automated medical resupply in dispersed combat areas, though further evaluation will be needed to confirm operational effectiveness.