JATEC’s Ukrainian experts advise NATO on countering drones
During a NATO exercise, Ukrainian experts from the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) provided advice on countering UAV attacks.
LCI-X Crucible 3-26 Execution marked the third phase of the LCI-X series, aimed at testing and integrating counter-drone solutions in support of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
The exercise brought together more than 1,000 participants
The event took place in Latvia this month as part of Exercise Baltic Trust. In total, more than 1,000 participants took part, including military personnel from 25 NATO countries and Ukraine.
The third phase of LCI-X experimentation shifted from working in individual cells of C-UAV warfare to multi-cell integration across tactical formations and into NATO command and control systems.
How Ukrainian experts enhanced the NATO exercise
Ukrainian experts focused on aligning NATO experimentation with current battlefield realities:
- Adapting the scenario to reflect frontline realities. Before the exercise began, Ukrainian experts provided input on the exercise design, including adjustments to UAV flight parameters.
- Overseeing simulated adversary actions. During the active phase, JATEC experts monitored and coordinated the exercise’s opposing-force crews, ensuring strict adherence to flight plans and threat profiles.
The third phase of LCI-X enabled the Alliance to shift from working in individual cells of C-UAV warfare to integrating multiple cells across tactical formations and into NATO command and control (C2) systems.
One of JATEC’s key priorities is the systematic involvement of Ukrainian service personnel with combat experience in joint activities with NATO. This not only strengthens partners’ defence capabilities but also accelerates the Defence Forces of Ukraine’s operational interoperability with NATO systems and alignment with NATO standards.
Previously, Ukrainian service personnel with combat experience helped ensure the realism of the Vistula Vanguard 26 wargame, which was co-organised by JATEC.
