Exercise Fighter Lion: Dutch Army Integrates Ukraine-Derived Counter-Drone Tactics for the First Time
The Dutch Army is conducting Exercise Fighter Lion near Bergen-Hohne, Germany, involving approximately 7,000 active-duty soldiers. For the first time, the exercise formally incorporates anti-drone tunnel systems and dedicated drone warfare teams derived from Ukrainian combat experience, alongside passive counter-UAV measures such as anti-drone nets and protective cordons, all within a simulated persistent drone threat and electronic warfare environment.
Highlights
- Exercise Fighter Lion involves approximately 7,000 Dutch active-duty soldiers conducting large-scale field training near Bergen-Hohne, Germany.
- The Dutch Army is for the first time formally integrating Ukraine-derived anti-drone tunnel systems and dedicated drone warfare teams into its training framework.
- Passive counter-UAV measures demonstrated include anti-drone nets and protective cordons designed to intercept low-altitude drones and secure battlefield buffer zones.
- Training scenarios simulate persistent drone threats and electronic warfare jamming, reflecting real-world Russia-Ukraine conflict conditions.
- The exercise signals a broader NATO and European trend of accelerating counter-drone capability integration as a core military training priority.
The Dutch Army is conducting a large-scale field exercise codenamed Exercise Fighter Lion near Bergen-Hohne, Germany, with approximately 7,000 Dutch active-duty personnel taking part.
First Integration of Ukrainian Combat Lessons
The most notable aspect of this exercise is the reported first-ever formal incorporation of anti-drone tunnel systems and dedicated drone warfare teams derived from real-world Ukrainian combat experience into the Dutch military's training framework. This marks a significant step in NATO allies systematically drawing lessons from the battlefield use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Passive Counter-UAV Measures on Full Display
Footage from the exercise shows Dutch forces deploying a range of passive counter-drone measures, including:
- Anti-drone nets: designed to intercept low-altitude small UAVs
- Protective cordons: establishing secure buffer zones on the battlefield
- Additional passive countermeasure equipment and camouflage systems
Simulating High-Intensity Drone and Electronic Warfare Environments
The training scenarios replicate conditions of persistent drone threats and simulated electronic warfare (EW) jamming, requiring troops to operate various counter-UAS systems and maintain combat effectiveness within a complex electromagnetic environment that closely mirrors real-world battlefield conditions.
Exercise Fighter Lion underscores the Dutch Army's strong emphasis on addressing modern drone threats, and reflects a broader European trend of militaries accelerating the integration of counter-drone capabilities as a core training priority.
Image credit: @wessel_zuijderduin_photography
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