Overview
- During the Combined Resolve exercises in Hohenfels, Germany, in April and May 2026, Ukrainian 412th 'Nemesis' drone teams repeatedly detected and simulated the destruction of a U.S. armored brigade that included units from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.
- Ukrainian crews used small reconnaissance drones to find U.S. vehicles and then launched first-person-view and explosive-carrying strike drones that registered rapid simulated "kills," aided by dust clouds kicked up by heavy armor.
- U.S. forces reran the scenario multiple times and improved by dispersing formations, hiding vehicles, and using electronic-warfare and counter-drone techniques, and Ukrainian operators later switched roles to train American troops in offensive drone use.
- Pentagon leaders have increased personnel exchanges with Ukraine, begun testing Ukrainian drone systems for potential purchase, and accelerated the Drone Dominance procurement focus to close the tactical gap.
- The episode reflects Ukraine’s combat-driven, fast feedback loop of drone engineering and mass production, and it signals that inexpensive swarms can reshape how NATO trains, protects logistics and uses heavy armor on the battlefield.