Ukraine is changing rules of war - Western allies adopt its combat experience
Photo: Ukrainian military (Facebook)
Western allies and NATO countries are actively adopting Ukraine’s combat experience, innovative tactics, and defense technologies. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are now considered the most battle-hardened in Europe, according to Business Insider.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has significantly advanced its weapons and tactics. Now, Western partners are seeking access to these innovations and aiming to integrate them into their own armed forces.
According to Western military analysts, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently the best and most battle-tested in Europe.
While Ukrainian troops continue to train abroad, roles are increasingly shifting. Ukrainian soldiers are sharing frontline experience with NATO instructors, explaining why certain Western methods do not work against Russia. This has turned training into a platform for mutual knowledge exchange, already reshaping how partners prepare their own troops.
To systematically integrate Ukraine’s experience, NATO established the Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in 2025.
Leadership in drones
Allies have shown particular interest in Ukraine’s achievements in drone warfare. Denmark is already engaging Ukrainian specialists to counter drones, while Poland is creating a new drone fleet with Ukrainian support.
In addition, NATO is using Ukrainian operators as an adversary during its exercises to test combat readiness.
As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated, Ukraine has become an undisputed leader in military innovation and counter-drone technologies.
Chair of the NATO Military Committee Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stressed that Kyiv has transitioned from a consumer of security services into a provider.
Export of weapons and technologies
Many partner countries have expressed interest in purchasing Ukrainian weapons. Demand for low-cost interceptor drones and expertise in countering aerial attacks has grown further after the United States and its allies faced drone-related threats amid the conflict in Iran.
Ukrainian experts are already advising partners on air defense issues in the region. However, exports of weapons remain limited, as supplying the front line remains the country’s top priority.
In February 2022, many Western analysts predicted a swift Russian victory due to its military superiority.
However, Ukrainian forces managed to push Russian troops back from the capital and impose a war of attrition, while simultaneously developing a powerful technological and defense base that is now becoming critical for future warfare.
As a reminder, the Pentagon has turned to Ukraine’s experience. In Florida, US forces conducted secret exercises recreating the tactics of Operation Spiderweb.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that Ukraine’s experience could help unblock key maritime routes for global shipping, using knowledge gained in 2022.
