Ukrainian drones conditionally "destroyed" a US brigade during exercises in Germany - WSJ

Ukrainian drone operators conditionally disabled an American armored brigade during the Combined Resolve military exercises in Germany. The maneuvers took place in April and May 2026, reports The Wall Street Journal citing an exercise participant and American officials.

It is purely a combat simulation: there were no real casualties among troops or equipment. According to the rules of such maneuvers, it is enough for a drone to hover over a vehicle or approach it, after which an observer counts a conditional hit.

About 3,500 American servicemen participated in the exercises, mostly from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division. They had to attack the positions of a simulated enemy, whose defense was reinforced by Ukrainian operators of the Nemesis unit of the Unmanned Systems Forces.

The American troops used heavy armored vehicles, which raised dust while moving and became visible to reconnaissance drones. After detecting targets, drones with drops and FPV systems were used in the scenario.

According to the sources, Ukrainian operators conditionally struck American vehicles so quickly that they had to be returned to the training scenario as new units. At the same time, the American brigade had organic electronic warfare and counter-drone capabilities.

The scenario was repeated for two weeks. American troops gradually improved their results: they began to disperse units more effectively, camouflage vehicles, and use electronic warfare means.

Halfway through the exercises, the Ukrainian operators switched to the American unit's side and helped it employ drones in the offensive. After that, the US military was able to use drones more effectively against the simulated enemy.

NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich noted that it is difficult to recreate such a level of training in the United States. According to him, after joint exercises with Ukrainians, Alliance units noticeably change their tactics.

American troops have modern unmanned and counter-drone systems, but they lack the combat experience acquired by Ukraine in rapid repair, conversion, and use of drones directly on the battlefield. The US is already testing Ukrainian drones for possible procurement, and also sending troops to Ukraine to study unmanned warfare.

Based on materials from: The Wall Street Journal