Drones Take Center Stage in NATO Training Amid Lessons from Ukraine Conflict.

In a clear reflection of evolving battlefield dynamics, U.S. and German forces have intensified their focus on drone warfare during recent training exercises at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Bavaria. The exercises, conducted on April 12, 2025, saw soldiers from the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade and the German Armed Forces collaborate on operating short and medium-range reconnaissance drones, enhancing their readiness against near-peer adversaries.​
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U.S. Soldiers from multiple brigades, alongside a German Armed Forces service member, pose for a group photo following joint training with short and medium-range reconnaissance drones at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, on April 12, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The 173rd Airborne Brigade, recognized as the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, showcased its capability to deploy rapidly across various theaters, including Europe, Africa, and Central Command areas. The joint training emphasized the strategic integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into modern combat scenarios, a necessity underscored by recent global conflicts.​

This initiative aligns with broader U.S. military efforts to modernize and adapt to contemporary warfare challenges. Notably, in February 2025, the U.S. Army conducted "Project Shiv," its first live-fire exercise using first-person view (FPV) drones equipped with munitions at the same training facility. This project involved assembling drones at Balli Airfield and integrating them with developmental munitions, marking a significant advancement in drone warfare capabilities .​

The emphasis on drone technology in training exercises reflects lessons learned from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where innovative drone usage has significantly influenced combat strategies. The U.S. military's commitment to incorporating such technologies aims to ensure preparedness and superiority in future engagements .​

As NATO allies continue to adapt to the changing nature of warfare, the integration of advanced drone systems into training regimens signifies a pivotal shift towards embracing technological advancements to maintain a strategic edge on the battlefield.​

The U.S. Army is actively expanding its drone capabilities across various units, incorporating uncrewed systems into reconnaissance, targeting, and strike missions. At the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s Capabilities Exercise (CAPEX) at Fort Bragg, a wide range of uncrewed systems—such as quadcopters, ground vehicles, loitering munitions, and robot dogs—were showcased. These technologies are deployed for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and tactical strikes, especially in urban and subterranean environments. Special operators are actively training to master these systems, many of which are adaptable, scalable, and capable of integrating with other technologies .​

NATO countries are also rapidly integrating drones into their military operations. For instance, Ukraine has pioneered the use of both military and commercial off-the-shelf UAS to perform tactical reconnaissance and surveillance, collect real-time intelligence, adjust artillery fire, provide communication relay, conduct short to long range strike and battle damage assessment (BDA), and drop repurposed munitions against enemy equipment and personnel.

Drones are increasingly utilized at the tactical level for various combat capabilities. They are employed to locate targets for artillery fire and to observe the fall of those rounds, make the required adjustments, and to conduct battle damage assessments . Surveillance drones relay live footage, allowing artillery units to refine targeting and minimize wasted ammunition. UAVs lock onto enemy convoys, ensuring that artillery strikes land with greater precision. Drones identify bunkers, defensive emplacements, and concealed outposts, guiding artillery to maximize damage.

The integration of drones into combat units enhances their reconnaissance capabilities, allowing for real-time intelligence gathering and improved situational awareness. This technological advancement ensures that units can engage effectively, adapt swiftly to changing battlefield conditions, and maintain a strategic advantage over adversaries.​