During the Aurora 26 exercise, Ukraine served as an instructor for NATO
During the large-scale Aurora 26 exercises in Sweden, Ukrainian military personnel took on the role of instructors in the combat use of drones. They are teaching Swedish anti-aircraft troops new tactics that have already been tested in real combat conditions. This was reported by the Swedish news outlet SVT Nyheter.
In Sweden, during the large-scale Aurora 26 military exercises, Ukrainian military personnel effectively became instructors for the host nation’s army. They led the training program focused on the use of unmanned systems, which today play a key role on the battlefield.
Ukrainian specialists are working with the Swedish Armed Forces’ only anti-aircraft regiment—Luftvärnsregementet Lv6. The training focuses primarily on reconnaissance, attack, and defense against drones.
Swedish military personnel are practicing operations with drones under the guidance of Ukrainian instructors who have real combat experience. They demonstrate how to effectively use both reconnaissance and strike systems. “They complained that we were using only two drones, but in reality there should have been many more,” said Ukrainian soldier Vadym, describing the training process and the demands for intensity in modern combat conditions.
Special attention is given to defense against air attacks, particularly against explosive devices dropped from drones, which has become one of the defining threats in modern conflicts.
About 18,000 military personnel from 13 countries are participating in the Aurora 26 exercises. The maneuvers cover a wide range of scenarios—from the use of maritime and aerial drones to the rapid deployment of forces in Northern Europe and on the eastern flank.
Ukrainian military personnel are participating in the exercises as part of the JEF–Ukraine partnership with the Joint Expeditionary Force, which is designed to enable rapid response to crisis situations.
The Swedish Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Ukraine’s participation in such exercises deepens cooperation and integration with allies. NATO also notes that Ukrainian drone operators are increasingly being involved in training as simulated adversaries to make the exercises as close as possible to real combat conditions.
NATO stated that it remains confident in its defense capabilities following the U.S. decision to withdraw some troops from Germany. The Alliance says this is a signal for Europe to invest more in its own security.
As a reminder, the Pentagon has decided to withdraw approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. The process is planned to be carried out over the next six to twelve months. This is part of a review of U.S. force deployments in Europe.
Berlin acknowledges that the continent will have to strengthen its own defense more quickly and more seriously to compensate for the gradual reduction of the American presence.
