The aggressor’s first actions were the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. From this…
On February 15, 2024, defense ministers of the NATO–Ukraine Council approved the political decision to establish the NATO–Ukraine JATEC in Bydgoszcz, Republic o
As emphasized on the official resource of NATO Allied Command Transformation, the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre — JATEC — is “a pillar of relations between NATO and Ukraine and a collective institution providing analytical, educational, and training capabilities for jointly identifying and applying lessons from Russia’s war against Ukraine, integrating them into strategy, policy, doctrine, tactics, and operations, and supporting the achievement of interoperability goals”.
The Alliance defined the Centre’s role as an important pillar of NATO–Ukraine cooperation, ensuring operational interoperability, contributing to NATO and Ukraine’s transformation in deterrence and defense, crisis prevention, crisis management, and collective security.
The Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre is a working-level institution within NATO’s Command Structure, headed by Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Admiral Pierre Vandier, and includes Ukrainian personnel.
According to Alliance representatives, JATEC is a unique civil-military institution “sui generis” between NATO and a partner country. It ensures interoperability between Ukraine and NATO.
JATEC is “not a NATO structure ‘for Ukraine,’ but a joint institution where we and the Alliance work as equals”, said Head of the Ukrainian Mission to NATO Aliona Hetmanchuk in an interview with DW.
According to the diplomat, the most significant event of JATEC’s first year was Ukraine’s participation in NATO collective defense exercises. Ukrainian officers were involved in planning and conducting Alliance maneuvers under Article 5 of its Charter.
“Late last year, we managed to create a precedent and ‘break the wall’: Ukrainian military personnel took part in such exercises for the first time in history. These were the LOYAL DOLOS 25 command-and-staff exercises aimed at preparing corps-level headquarters”, — Hetmanchuk said.
She emphasized that these were not open-to-partners drills, which Ukraine traditionally participated in, but “internal” exercises for NATO members.
According to the official page of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, within one year the Centre became a unique platform where Ukrainian combat experience is integrated into NATO strategic planning, and solutions for modern warfare are born in joint work as equals.
“For the first time, Ukrainian specialists work with allies with equal rights and opportunities — relying on real experience from high-intensity war. The Centre helps adapt NATO defense planning to new challenges and simultaneously strengthens Ukraine’s interoperability with the Alliance.
One of the key areas has been innovation. In 2025, JATEC hosted three NATO Innovation Challenges, where for the first time the full cycle of technology development — from concept to combat use and recommendations — was implemented. Breakthrough solutions included air-target interception systems, AI solutions for UAV guidance, innovations to counter FPV drones and KAB air-dropped bombs. The launch of the JATEC Innovation Hub continues, which will connect Ukrainian and NATO defense-tech ecosystems”, — the Foreign Ministry stated.
The Ministry also emphasized that for the first time in history, Ukraine was integrated into certain NATO collective defense training processes.
“Ukrainian representatives took part in Article 5 command-and-staff exercises, and the Ukrainian Navy led the OPFOR component during international exercises in Portugal. The Ukrainian DELTA situational awareness system became a tool for managing multinational forces — another step toward deeper integration”, — the statement said.
JATEC has also achieved significant results in digitalization, medical support, and interoperability. AI models were transferred to the Defense Forces, recommendations were developed for casualty evacuation, mental health, and combating antimicrobial resistance.
For the first time, Ukrainian companies were involved in contracts with NATO structures. In one year, JATEC proved: it is not just a platform for dialogue but an effective mechanism of change that strengthens the defense of Ukraine and the entire Euro-Atlantic community.
The Alliance itself stresses that the creation of JATEC marks an important milestone in NATO–Ukraine relations, confirming NATO’s commitment to Ukraine, as stated in the Washington Summit Declaration.
