NATO and Ukraine Establish Joint Center in Poland to Counter Potential Russian Aggression

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A new NATO-Ukraine center will open next month in Bydgoszcz, Poland, to analyze lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine and prepare for potential threats from Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) aims to enhance NATO’s strategies by studying advancements in drone warfare, air defense systems, artificial intelligence, and civil resilience.

Learning from a Hybrid War

Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, described the Ukrainian conflict as a mix of “World War I-style trench warfare” and “future warfare technology,” including drones, AI, and space-based communications.

“Today, we have a clearer vision of blending traditional platforms—tanks, aircraft, ships—with modern capabilities like robotics and IT,” Vandier told Politico. He emphasized how these advancements have made Ukrainian artillery more precise and lethal.

The JATEC will study these methods and incorporate findings into NATO exercises, ensuring the alliance remains strategically credible.

First NATO-Ukraine Joint Institution

Backed by NATO leaders at the Washington summit, JATEC represents the alliance’s shift from post-Cold War counterinsurgency operations to high-intensity conflict preparedness against Russia.

Initially staffed by 70 personnel, including 20 Ukrainians, JATEC will focus on integrating Ukraine with NATO standards, protecting civilian infrastructure, and countering Russian weaponry such as Lancet drones and glide bombs.

“JATEC’s relevance transcends Ukraine’s NATO membership status,” Vandier noted, affirming that Ukraine’s experience remains invaluable to the alliance.

A Modern Battlefield Laboratory

Ukraine has become a “massive laboratory” for military AI and drone technology. Companies like France’s KNDS and European startup Helsing are testing advanced equipment, including Caesar howitzers, in the field.

The war has highlighted the importance of drones, prompting NATO to explore ways to scale drone production and reduce reliance on Chinese components.

Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Battlefield

Both Russia and Ukraine continue a technological “cat-and-mouse game” in electronic warfare, with rapid cycles of innovation. Admiral Vandier stressed that “constant adaptation” is crucial, as even the most advanced systems require ongoing updates to remain effective.

Future Implications

JATEC will play a pivotal role in integrating Ukraine’s battlefield insights into NATO operations, regardless of Ukraine’s eventual membership status. As NATO prepares for a new era of warfare, the lessons from Ukraine will shape its strategies for years to come.

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