Germany and Ukraine signed an agreement Friday to bring Ukrainian instructors to Germany to train the Bundeswehr, the German army, in modern combat tactics, particularly countering drone warfare. The move comes after a NATO exercise revealed significant vulnerabilities in the alliance’s defense capabilities, according to reports.
The agreement, confirmed by a German army spokesperson, will initially focus on incorporating Ukrainian expertise into training at army training schools. Details of the program remain undisclosed, but officials stated the aim is to leverage the extensive experience Ukrainian soldiers have gained in deploying and combating drones, as well as integrating modern command technologies into frontline troops.
The impetus for the collaboration stems from findings reported last week by the Wall Street Journal. During a NATO exercise in the Baltic region last year, a little team of approximately ten Ukrainian soldiers reportedly neutralized numerous armored vehicles and other targets within a short timeframe. According to one participant, the Estonian-led opposing force, bolstered by the Ukrainian team, rendered “two battalions combat ineffective in a single day.” The NATO side struggled to counter the opposing force’s drone teams.
One exercise participant described the results as “horrific,” and the Wall Street Journal reported a commander observing the exercise concluded, “We are screwed.” NATO officials declined to comment on specific details of the exercise, but a spokesperson emphasized that scenarios are designed to challenge participants and facilitate learning. The spokesperson also noted that Ukraine shares its extensive drone warfare experience with NATO partners.
The German army’s decision to seek Ukrainian training assistance reflects a broader acknowledgement of the evolving battlefield dynamics in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have gained considerable practical experience in adapting to and countering modern warfare techniques, particularly those involving unmanned aerial systems. This expertise is now seen as valuable for bolstering the preparedness of NATO forces, including Germany’s own military, which is currently undergoing a significant rebuilding effort.
Germany has already deployed troops to NATO’s eastern flank, demonstrating a commitment to strengthening the alliance’s defensive posture. However, the recent exercise results and the subsequent agreement with Ukraine suggest a need for more focused training and adaptation to address emerging threats.
