RIGA, Latvia — A Ukrainian defense official emphasized the necessity for NATO forces to enhance the mobility and concealment of their drone units and command centers, drawing from Ukraine's frontline experiences against Russia.
Taras Berezovets, head of military cooperation at Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces, highlighted the critical nature of protecting drone units, stating, 'This war, especially in terms of the drone war, is like a cat-and-mouse game. The Russians are always searching for the locations of our drone units.'
Speaking at a drone summit in Latvia, Berezovets advocated for NATO to consider constructing drone command centers 'deeper underground' to safeguard these high-value targets. He noted that while this approach is more costly, the protection it offers against targeted strikes is invaluable.
'They should be as deep as possible,' Berezovets remarked, underscoring the strategic advantage of subterranean facilities in deterring enemy surveillance and attacks.
Additionally, Berezovets pointed out the challenges smaller NATO countries might face given their limited territorial expanse compared to Ukraine, suggesting that dispersed unit locations across member states could provide strategic depth yet complicate wartime logistics.
Ukraine's approach includes mobile command centers installed in various vehicles and regular relocation of drone units to evade detection. This strategy has proven crucial, considering drones account for approximately 90% of Russian front-line losses.
As NATO continues to invest in drone technology, these insights from Ukraine could significantly influence future military tactics and infrastructure development across the alliance.