Ukraine and NATO are working on the development of advanced UAV solutions – outcomes of the JATEC conference

Ukraine and NATO are joining efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy for the use of unmanned systems and to strengthen technological cooperation in the UAV sector. 

This was the focus of the ‘Innovations at the Front: The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare’ expert seminar, hosted by the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC).

The event, held in Tallinn, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Command of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, NATO, and the defense industry. 

The conference marked the beginning of building an expert community in the UAV sector. This community will serve as a platform for transforming Ukraine’s unique combat experience into scalable JATEC projects that will strengthen the capabilities of the Defence Forces in modern warfare. 

During the seminar, particular attention was paid to the tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering russia’s fiber-optic-controlled drones. The integration of UAVs into a unified command, control, and communications system was also a key focus. Technological solutions for the deployment of strike UAVs and crew training were presented, along with an analysis of challenges related to the repair and maintenance of unmanned systems in field conditions.

“The JATEC Experts Seminar on drones is paramount for accelerating Ukraine's interoperability with NATO, leveraging critical battlefield insights for collective defense innovation,” emphasized Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga, Commander of JATEC.

Participants also discussed the role of AI and drone autonomy, electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and current cyber threats, including countermeasures against jamming and spoofing.