The date was chosen in memory of military correspondent Dmytro Labutkin, who died on this day during hostilities in eastern…
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has named six key achievements of the Ukraine–NATO Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC) during its first year of operation.
This was reported in a statement by the Ministry of Defense on December 31.
JATEC was established and launched on February 17, 2025. It is noted that it became the first joint civil-military organization within NATO’s structure, created for the systematic analysis of the Russian-Ukrainian war and for implementing changes in strategic planning, defense policy, force training, and joint operations.
“JATEC brings together representatives of Ukraine and NATO member states who work in a single environment, relying on real combat experience and current threats. Within the Center, they for the first time have equal status, enjoying the same rights, benefits, and opportunities”, — the Ministry of Defense reported.
Through JATEC’s activities, joint development of innovations necessary for the modern battlefield is taking place, as well as adaptation of NATO defense planning processes to the conditions of a high-intensity conflict.
The Ministry of Defense named six key achievements of the Center during its first year of operation.
Innovation and development of combat capabilities
Within the framework of the JATEC Work Program in 2025, the 15th, 16th, and 17th NATO Innovation Challenges were conducted jointly with Allied Command Transformation. For the first time in the history of Ukraine–NATO relations, a full support cycle for innovative technological solutions was ensured — from concept and combat employment to technical recommendations.
The NATO Innovation Challenges were aimed at finding solutions to counter guided aerial bombs (KABs), FPV drones with fiber-optic control channels, and at providing medical assistance and evacuation of the wounded in the zone of fire impact.
In addition, work is ongoing to launch the JATEC Innovation Hub, which is intended to unite all technological efforts of the Center and become a bridge between Ukrainian stakeholders (the Ministry of Defense, Brave1, the Armed Forces of Ukraine) and NATO (DIANA, STO, NATO innovation institutions).
In the area of countering aerial threats, three innovative solutions have been identified:
- an AI-based solution for guiding UAVs toward aerial targets by Alta Ares;
- an interceptor drone by Tytan;
- the “wall of drones” concept by Atreyd.
Alta Ares has received confirmation of combat hits against UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, and SuperCam types.
To counter FPV drones with fiber-optic control channels, three promising solutions have been selected: a low-cost three-dimensional radar by KMB Telematics Inc. (Canada), an autonomous AI-powered counter-drone turret by Sentradel (USA), and an automated turret by DONS (Ukraine). A series of field trials for solutions to counter KABs and FPV drones has been organized in Ukraine, France, and Poland.
Ukraine’s involvement in NATO collective defense exercises
JATEC launched an initiative to integrate Ukrainian expertise into the planning, conduct, and evaluation of NATO collective defense exercises.
For the first time, the North Atlantic Council decided to involve Ukrainian representatives in the LOYAL DOLOS 25 command-and-staff exercises (under Article 5 of the Alliance), aimed at training corps-level headquarters. Also, for the first time, a representative of Ukraine took part in a meeting of the NATO Military Training and Exercise Programme Planning Board.
In addition, for the first time in NATO’s history, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine led the planning, coordination, and command and control of OPFOR forces during the REPMUS / Dynamic Messenger 25 exercises, which took place in September in Portugal.
The exercises took into account modern trends in naval warfare and provided for coordination of various types of platforms. At the same time, the Ukrainian military situational awareness system DELTA was used as the main command and control tool for the combined team of participating countries.
Analytics and digitalization
Throughout 2025, efforts in the field of digitalization were focused on achieving superiority in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms.
In 2025, AI/ML models were transferred to the Defense Forces of Ukraine for testing on real data regarding the effectiveness of the fire engagement loop, target identification accuracy, analysis of large data sets, and forecasting threats to critical infrastructure.
Medical support
Last year, four expert meetings were held in the areas of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), mental health, and care for massive hemorrhage (NCH). Based on their results, recommendations were developed for Ukraine and NATO to strengthen these areas.
A special place was given to the expert meeting on casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), during which the main threats arising during the evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield in the conditions of modern warfare were examined. This meeting became the foundation for organizing the 17th NATO Innovation Challenge: medical care in modern combat conditions.
In the medical area, three innovative solutions were selected:
- a continuous renal replacement therapy system (developer — Qidni Labs Inc.);
- a vacuum infuser for dosed administration of medications (developer — MonuMedical LLC);
- a system for monitoring a servicemember’s vital signs on the battlefield (developer — Ixana).
Engagement of Ukrainian companies
Within the implementation of the Work Program, JATEC for the first time engaged Ukrainian companies in joint research, analytical work, and innovation activities with NATO.
As a result, for the first time in history, the contracting of Ukrainian companies by NATO Allied Command Transformation was initiated to conduct research in the interests of Ukraine and the Alliance.
Interoperability
The Ukraine–NATO Interoperability Roadmap is a mechanism of military integration and a political instrument that strengthens multidomain cooperation with the Alliance.
In 2025, JATEC developed and coordinated support plans for the implementation of four priority interoperability requirements: studying and implementing lessons learned, development of reserve forces, medical support, and professional military education and training.
JATEC’s participation in coordination activities related to the implementation of the Interoperability Roadmap made it possible to strengthen inter-institutional interaction and accomplish a number of tasks related to these requirements.
