NATO to include Ukraine in exercise planning

Starting in 2027, Ukraine will participate in NATO exercises not only during the implementation phase but also in the planning stage, allowing the Alliance’s scenarios to incorporate real-world experience from modern warfare.

This was stated in an interview by Valerii Vyshnivskyi, Director for Program Implementation at the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) and Ukraine’s Senior National Representative at JATEC, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

According to him, a series of NATO exercises will take place in September-October this year, including Steadfast Pyramid and Pinnacle, Noble Jolt, and Steadfast Duel, with Ukraine participating in the execution phase.

"We will take part in these three exercises during the implementation phase, focusing on the development and employment of ground forces, command and control systems, and practicing collective deterrence mechanisms," Vyshnivskyi said.

The JATEC representative noted that these exercises are traditionally open only to NATO member states, but an exception has been made for Ukraine.

In addition, Ukrainian specialists will participate in the LCI-X exercises, which focus on developing air defense capabilities in modern conditions. Vyshnivskyi emphasized that Ukraine will act as a simulated adversary during these drills, modeling Russian aviation operations and creating highly realistic scenarios.

According to him, from 2027 Ukraine will be allowed to participate in these exercises not only during the execution phase but also during the planning phase.

"And there, we will be able to develop realistic scenarios," the Ukrainian officer stressed.

Vyshnivskyi also said that preparations are currently underway for the JATEC 2027 activity program. Key areas include developing innovations, testing joint technological solutions under real combat conditions, expanding Ukraine’s participation in NATO exercises, and applying Ukrainian battlefield experience to improve the training of Alliance forces.

As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara. They discussed the urgent delivery of air defense system missiles and contributions by Alliance members to the PURL initiative.

Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine