Ukrainian military personnel are playing a central role in the Aurora 26 exercises, held in Sweden, by leading training focused on the use of drones in combat.
The initiative directly involves troops from Sweden’s main air defense regiment, who are absorbing the practical experience gained by Ukraine on the battlefield.
The training includes both the use of drones for reconnaissance and attacks, as well as defensive strategies against devices that drop explosives. According to one Ukrainian instructor, the limited use of drones during the exercises does not reflect the reality of current conflicts, where the presence of these aircraft is much more intense.
With the participation of around 18,000 military personnel from 13 countries, Aurora 26 has drone warfare as one of its main focuses. The simulations also cover maritime operations, air defense and scenarios involving the rapid mobilization of troops in Northern Europe and on the continent’s eastern flank.
The Ukrainian presence takes place within the expanded partnership with the “Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)“, led by the United Kingdom. Swedish authorities believe this cooperation strengthens military integration with Ukraine, while in NATO exercises, Ukrainian operators also act as a simulated enemy force, carrying out drone attacks to test the readiness of allied troops.
The Swedish Armed Forces has invited the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ contribution to exercise AURORA 26 to be conducted within the framework of JEF-Ukraine Enhanced Partnership. We will continue to contribute and operationalize the partnership, starting with AURORA 26. @JEFnations pic.twitter.com/nOkKR7roLb
— Försvarsmakten (@Forsvarsmakten) April 28, 2026
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Forsvarsmakten | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
