What's Happening?
NATO is incorporating Ukrainian forces, including Ukrainian-made Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), as a 'red team' in its military exercises. This strategy aims to challenge NATO's 'blue force' and 'trigger an adaptation cycle' within the alliance, according
to Adm. Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT). The objective is to gain experience from Ukraine's ongoing conflict and apply it to update NATO's battlefield tactics. While specific exercises were not detailed by Vandier, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense previously reported that its 'red team' forces defeated NATO members in five out of five combat scenarios during the 2025 REPMUS exercises off Portugal, partly by using USVs. Vandier emphasized the growing threat from naval and aerial drones, stating that counter-drone defenses are essential for any future amphibious operations. NATO is also fostering adaptation through its 'Fight Club' initiative within the Joint Warfare Centre, which serves as a strategic debate forum to test operational concepts and doctrine through hypothetical scenarios.
Why It's Important?
This integration of Ukrainian forces into NATO drills signifies a critical shift in how the alliance prepares for modern warfare, directly leveraging real-world combat experience from the conflict in Ukraine. By using Ukrainian forces as an adversarial 'red team,' NATO can identify vulnerabilities and refine its strategies against advanced threats, particularly unmanned systems. This approach is crucial for enhancing NATO's readiness and adaptability in an evolving security landscape where drone warfare plays an increasingly significant role. The insights gained from these exercises could lead to substantial changes in NATO's doctrine, equipment procurement, and training methodologies, ultimately strengthening its collective defense capabilities. The emphasis on anti-submarine warfare and counter-drone defenses highlights key areas of concern for the alliance, reflecting the lessons learned from current conflicts and the need to counter sophisticated adversaries effectively.
What's Next?
NATO is expected to continue and expand its use of 'red team' exercises with Ukrainian forces to further refine its operational tactics and adapt to contemporary threats. The 'Fight Club' initiative will likely play a larger role in fostering strategic debates and developing new military vignettes to test concepts. Future exercises will focus on integrating lessons learned regarding unmanned systems and anti-submarine warfare into NATO's broader defense planning. The alliance will also likely continue to assess the naval posture of potential adversaries, such as Russia, to inform its strategic responses. The long-term goal is to translate these adaptive measures into concrete improvements in NATO's military capabilities, ensuring the alliance remains prepared for future conflicts.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration between NATO and Ukraine in these drills extends beyond tactical improvements; it also serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and shared strategic interests. By actively incorporating Ukraine's combat experience, NATO acknowledges the practical lessons derived from the conflict and reinforces its commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. This partnership could also foster deeper interoperability between Ukrainian and NATO forces, potentially paving the way for future integration. Furthermore, the focus on unmanned systems and advanced warfare techniques underscores a broader shift in military strategy, where technological superiority and adaptability are paramount. This development could influence defense spending, research and development priorities, and international military cooperation for years to come.
