The NATO–Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC): a review of its first year

The NATO–Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) was established and launched on 17 February 2025. It became the first joint civilian–military organisation within NATO dedicated to the systematic analysis of the russia–Ukraine war and the implementation of changes in strategic planning, defence policy, military training, and combined operations.

 JATEC brings together representatives of Ukraine and NATO member states working within a unified environment, drawing on real combat experience and evolving threats. At the Centre, participants hold equal status for the first time, with the same rights, privileges, and opportunities.

 Through JATEC’s activities, innovative solutions essential for the modern battlefield are jointly developed, alongside the adaptation of NATO defence planning processes to the conditions of high-intensity conflict.

Below are the Centre’s six main achievements in its first year.

 Innovation and the development of combat capabilities

Under JATEC’s 2025 Programme of Work, the 15th, 16th, and 17th NATO Innovation Challenges were held in cooperation with Allied Command Transformation (ACT), ensuring, for the first time in the history of Ukraine–NATO relations, a full end-to-end support cycle for innovative technological solutions—from conceptualisation and combat use to the formulation of technical recommendations.

 The NATO Innovation Challenges focused on identifying solutions to counter guided aerial bombs (GABs) and fibre-optic-controlled FPV drones, as well as on providing medical care and evacuating casualties under fire.

 Alongside this, work is ongoing to launch the JATEC Innovation Hub, which is intended to consolidate all of the Centre’s technological efforts and serve as a bridge between Ukrainian stakeholders (the Ministry of Defence, Brave1, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine) and NATO structures (DIANA, the Science and Technology Organization (STO), and NATO innovation institutions).

 In the area of countering aerial threats, three innovative solutions have been identified: an AI–based solution for guiding UAVs against aerial targets developed by Alta Ares, an interceptor drone from Tytan, and the “drone wall” concept proposed by Atreyd. Alta Ares has confirmed successful combat engagements against “Shahed”, “Gerbera”, and “SuperCam” UAVs.

 To counter fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones, three promising solutions have been selected: a cost-effective three-dimensional radar developed by KMB Telematics Inc. (Canada), an autonomous AI-enabled counter-drone turret by Sentradel (United States), and an automated turret developed by DONS (Ukraine). For solutions to counter guided aerial bombs (GABs) and FPV drones, a series of field trials was conducted in Ukraine, France, and Poland.

 Ukraine’s participation in NATO collective defence exercises

JATEC launched an initiative to integrate Ukrainian expertise into the planning, conduct, and evaluation of NATO collective defence exercises.

 For the first time, the North Atlantic Council approved the participation of Ukrainian representatives in the LOYAL DOLOS 25 command-post exercise conducted under NATO Article 5 and aimed at preparing corps-level headquarters. In addition, a Ukrainian representative took part in the NATO Military Training and Exercise Programme Planning Board for the first time.

 For the first time in NATO history, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine led the planning, coordination, and command and control of OPFOR forces during the REPMUS / Dynamic Messenger 25 exercises in Portugal. The exercises incorporated modern maritime warfare trends and multi-platform coordination; Ukraine’s DELTA military situational awareness system functioned as the primary command-and-control instrument for the combined command of participating nations.

 Analytics and digitalisation

Throughout 2025, digitalisation efforts focused on achieving an advantage in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms.

 In 2025, AI/ML models were delivered to the Defence Forces of Ukraine for testing on real-world data, including assessments of fire-control loop effectiveness, target identification accuracy, large-scale data analysis, and threat forecasting for critical infrastructure.

 Medical support and care

Over the past year, four expert meetings were held focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), mental health, and the management of massive haemorrhage. Based on their outcomes, recommendations were developed for Ukraine and NATO to strengthen these areas.

 A dedicated expert meeting on casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) focused on identifying the key threats associated with the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield in modern warfare. This meeting laid the foundation for organising the 17th NATO Innovation Challenge – ‘The Pressing Challenge: Medical Care in a Transparent & Contested Battlespace.’

 In the medical domain, three innovative solutions were selected: a portable continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) system for battlefield and austere medical care, developed by Qidni Labs Inc.; MiniFuser – a compact, simple, and non-electric infuser for critical medications, developed by MonuMedical LLC; and LPI/LPD Medical C2 and Touch-to-Triage vital sign transfer, developed by Ixana.

 Engagement of Ukrainian companies

As part of the implementation of its Programme of Work, JATEC for the first time engaged Ukrainian companies in joint research, analytical work, and innovation activities with NATO.

 As a result, for the first time in history, NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) contracted Ukrainian companies to conduct research in the interests of Ukraine and NATO.

 Interoperability

The Ukraine–NATO Interoperability Roadmap serves as a mechanism for military integration and a political instrument that strengthens multidomain cooperation with NATO.