US Armor vs. Ukrainian Drones: Results of Exercises in Germany
About 3,500 American soldiers participated in exercises in Germany, where Ukrainian drone operators successfully neutralized an armored brigade. Despite initial challenges, the performance of US forces improved, and Washington continues to study the combat experience gained by Ukraine.
US military forces faced Ukrainian drone operators earlier this year during military exercises in Germany. The results revealed the vulnerability of American forces on the modern battlefield, as reported yesterday by the Wall Street Journal. Ukrainian drone units were able to easily locate and "neutralize" American armored vehicles during the drills.
The "Combined Resolve" exercises, held in April and May, were designed to test the ability of units to operate under the threat of small, short-range drones. Approximately 3,500 American soldiers participated, primarily from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division.
The mission of the American forces was to attack a position held by an opposing force, reinforced by Ukrainian soldiers from the 412th Unmanned Systems Forces Regiment, known as "Nemesis." The Ukrainian drone operators successfully neutralized the American armored brigade.
According to participants, heavy armored vehicles kicked up clouds of dust, becoming easy targets for reconnaissance drones. Once detected, drones simulating explosive drops and FPV drones were deployed, which in real combat crash directly into their targets.
Since live ammunition is rarely used in such exercises, a drone hovering over a vehicle meant it was declared "destroyed." Ukrainian operators disabled the vehicles at such a pace that they had to be returned to the exercise as new units to allow training to continue.
However, as the scenario was repeated over two weeks, the performance of the American forces improved. They learned to disperse, camouflage more effectively, and better utilize electronic warfare measures. Mid-way through the exercises, Ukrainian specialists helped the Americans use drones for offensive purposes, which, according to US military sources, was done effectively.
The experience gained by Ukrainian forces during years of war with Russia has made them experts in drone warfare. American operators, observers noted, still lack experience in repairing and arming drones under fire.
The Debate Over the Future of Armor
The exercises have reignited the debate regarding the role of tanks on the modern battlefield. Some American officers believe drones are particularly lethal due to the static nature of the front in Ukraine, and that in a maneuver war, tanks will retain their importance.
Conversely, Ukrainian military experts, including former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, argue that the development of drone technology has made traditional maneuver warfare unfeasible at this stage. Russia and Ukraine continue to seek tactical breakthroughs to restore mobility on the battlefield.
Previously, Ukrainian operators demonstrated their superiority in similar exercises in the Baltic region and Sweden, outperforming forces from the UK, Estonia, and other NATO allies.
In recent years, the US has invested billions of dollars in counter-drone technologies and established specialized units. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated in May that he had increased the number of US personnel sent to Ukraine to study the experience of drone warfare. Washington is also currently evaluating the possibility of purchasing Ukrainian-made drones.
