Key facts
- US Green Berets are training Polish special forces in a drone warfare exercise.
- The drill simulates moving through enemy lines and launching drone strikes.
- The exercise incorporates lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine.
- This is the first time a NATO ally has participated in this specific training.
- German civilians are part of the scenario, testing the forces' ability to blend in.
- US Army drones are used to detect and track the Polish forces during the exercise.
US Army Green Berets are conducting a specialized drone warfare exercise in Germany, training Polish special forces in tactics informed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks the first time a NATO ally has participated in the drill, which simulates covert operations, traversing enemy territory, and executing drone strikes.
The exercise, held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center Hohenfels, utilizes a large training area designed to replicate the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops. Soldiers are tasked with moving undetected through civilian areas and evading simulated enemy forces, including US Army airborne infantry playing the role of adversaries. The scenario emphasizes blending in with the local population and avoiding detection by both civilians and US Army drones, which are actively used to locate the Polish forces.
This training underscores a broader effort within NATO and among allies to adapt to modern warfare techniques, particularly in drone technology, pioneered by Ukraine. Despite some confusion caused by President Donald Trump's statements regarding US troop drawdowns in Europe, there is a growing interest in leveraging Ukraine's expertise in drone warfare. Ukraine itself has reportedly been assisting other nations in countering drone attacks.
Officials involved in the exercise spoke on condition of anonymity due to military policy regarding special forces identification. The training is intended to be conducted multiple times a year, with expectations that many of the 32 NATO member nations will seek to participate.