During the Valiant Shield 2026 exercise, the U.S. Army launched the Apollo R, a solar‑powered stratospheric aircraft, from Guam using a high‑altitude balloon. Developed by Icarus and Urban Sky, the platform is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and persistent communications. It can operate above 18 km for weeks without landing, relying solely on solar energy. The test aims to assess the ability to provide continuous ISR and communications coverage across the Pacific, especially when satellites or ground infrastructure may be vulnerable to attack or disruption.