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DELTA at NATO exercises: Ukraine shares unique counter-drone expertise

Ukrainian DELTA combat system successfully debuted at NATO's counter-drone exercise. Over 450 attendees from 22 countries gathered in Vredepeel, the Netherlands, for the event that took place from September 10 to September 20.

Over 60 various counter-drone systems and technologies underwent testing during the exercise. The Innovation Center of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, which develops advanced concepts for countering enemy UAVs, showcased the combat experience of using DELTA. 

“During counter-drone exercises, we are not just testing technologies but also demonstrating DELTA's combat experience gained at the cost of enormous efforts. Participation in such events enables us to enhance our tactics and training and exchange expertise with our partners. The successful use of DELTA in these exercises once again proves that Ukraine has significant potential in developing military technologies,” commented Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Transformation.

The DELTA Ukrainian combat system has become one of the crucial platforms for planning exercises and tracking the positions of both friendly and enemy drones. The MoD's Innovation Center experts showcased how to recognize friendly UAVs through the UA DRONE ID protocol. The Ministry of Defence, Cossack Labs, Aerorozvidka NGO, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation have partnered to establish a system that ensures the safe exchange of data between drones and combat systems, including DELTA.

During the exercises, the VECTOR reconnaissance drone manufactured by the German company Quantum-Systems made six flights daily, successfully integrating via UA DRONE ID protocol. 

Furthermore, the Ukrainian military: 

  • Integrated DELTA with partner systems to acquire information about the air and ground situation and detect airborne targets; 
  • Live-streamed the drones' movements, keeping participants informed of the situational awareness;
  • Utilized the Mission Control module for planning UAV pilots' missions during exercise scenarios focused on counter-drone warfare.

The suggestions put forth by the MoD's Innovation Center, such as the use of FPV drones, friendly drone scenarios, and massive drone attacks, have been considered by NATO for the exercise program. 

Participants highlighted the capabilities of the DELTA system in countering drones and stressed the importance of Ukraine's military experience in strengthening the collective security of partner nations. NATO officials intend to collaborate further with the Innovation Center team of the Ministry of Defence and extend invitations for their future participation in events.

The Ukrainian delegation participated in the exercise within the NATO-Ukraine Innovation Cooperation Roadmap framework.

Tags

  • Drones