NATO tank drills face criticism for overlooking Ukraine war realities
Illustrative photo: Abrams tank (GettyImages)
Russia's war against Ukraine has demonstrated the vulnerability of tanks without anti-drone protection. Despite this, NATO exercises continue to employ traditional tactics without taking this threat into account, which has drawn criticism from analysts, Defense Express reports.
Read also NATO plans unmanned robotic zone on Russia-Belarus border
Romania and the US conduct tank exercises: Abrams and TR-85M1 tanks involved
The Romanian Ministry of Defense reported on joint exercises between Romanian and American military personnel at the Smârdan training ground, which lasted from January 29 to February 4.
The purpose of the exercises was to improve the combat readiness of the units and enhance the operational compatibility of the armies of both countries.
Joint tactical exercises
During the exercises, the military practiced tactical actions at the unit level, troop command, and combat shooting during the day and at night. According to Defense Romania, Romania was represented in the exercises by servicemen from the 284th Tank Battalion Cuza Vodă, who used four TR-85M1 Bizonul tanks.
The American side deployed five M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tanks.
Weather challenges during exercises
According to Romanian Army Lieutenant Colonel Mihai Bănescu, the tasks set were generally accomplished, although the exercises were hampered by difficult weather conditions and low temperatures.
The technical problems that arose were quickly resolved by the repair team.
Criticism of training format
At the same time, the Ukrainian analytical portal Defense Express notes that the format of the exercises does not fully meet the requirements of modern warfare.
In particular, experts note the absence of anti-drone protection elements on the tanks, which is critical for the survival of armored vehicles on the battlefield today.
In 2024, former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made a statement about the effectiveness of Abrams tanks in Ukraine. In particular, he said that Abrams tanks had not been very useful on the front lines in Ukraine.
"When it comes to Abrams tanks, we have sent Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Those Abrams tanks units are actually undermined because it's not the most useful piece of equipment for them in this fight," Sullivan said.
The United States is deploying new army units to Romania, which are reportedly armed with Abrams tanks.
