Ukrainian Armed Forces rout NATO troops in exercises - Military reveals operation details
Photo: Exercises shocked both Ukrainian troops and Western officials (412th Brigade Nemesis, SBS Facebook)
In recent days, media outlets have reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces "routed" NATO troops during the Hedgehog exercises in Estonia. Ukrainian servicemen have now explained how they achieved this, according to a joint Facebook post by units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
The Ukrainian team included bomber operators from the 412th Brigade Nemesis and FPV drone crews from the 427th Brigade Rarog within the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces. FPV operators from the International Legion of the Ministry of Defense’s GUR and representatives from the Delta situational awareness system also participated.
A fighter from the 412th Brigade Nemesis, with the call sign Nick, explained that the Ukrainian forces carried out missions targeting enemy forces, mining logistical routes, and delivering supplies to friendly units. Enemy positions were identified by aerial reconnaissance crews operating the Vector system.
How Defense Forces 'routed enemy'
"The Ukrainian team routed the attacking groups, which were unprepared for mass strikes by multiple UAV systems," the serviceman said.
The Ukrainian troops also highlighted a number of mistakes made by the mock NATO units. Vehicles moved in large convoys without proper camouflage, infantry did not attempt to take cover, and roads were not checked for mines before movement.
The military emphasized that modern technologies are radically changing the battlefield and that Ukraine is ready to share its drone warfare experience with Western partners. According to them, NATO countries need to rethink their tactics in modern combat and prepare faster for the Russian threat.
Previously, The Wall Street Journal reported on the exercises in Estonia. One scenario involved a combat group of several thousand troops, including a British brigade and an Estonian division, conducting an offensive operation.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian team of just 10 fighters, acting as the opposing force, simulated the destruction of 17 armored vehicles and carried out about 30 strikes on other targets in half a day.
Overall, the results were described as "devastating" for NATO forces. According to reports, the military was unable to detect the positions of Ukrainian drone operators.
