NATO Tests Anti-Drone Tunnel Against Simulated Russian Drones

NATO forces used an anti-drone tunnel during the Fighter Lion exercise in Germany to protect against simulated Russian drones.

The exercise involved troops from the Netherlands, who were tasked with stopping a mock adversary, according to the newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad.

The maneuvers are taking place at a large training area near Hamburg and are the army’s largest ground exercise in the past twenty years.

The exercise scenario centers on a conflict with a fictional state that bears clear similarities to present-day Russia.

According to the scenario, the adversary has invaded NATO territory and launched an offensive across Europe from east to west.

The Dutch brigade was tasked with slowing the enemy’s advance or stopping it altogether.

To take part in the exercise, a large convoy of military vehicles traveled from Oirschot to the training area near Hamburg. The route, approximately 600 kilometers long, was covered by both equipment and personnel.

Most of the convoy completed the journey in about eleven hours, although some vehicles were delayed by traffic congestion.

After arriving, the units established defensive positions and engaged in a prolonged confrontation with the mock adversary.

Military officials say that drones are playing an increasingly dominant role on the modern battlefield. They operate not only directly over troop positions but also deep behind the front lines.

As a result, armed forces are having to develop new ways to protect personnel and equipment. One such solution is the anti-drone tunnel – a protective structure designed to shield troops and vehicles from aerial surveillance and drone attacks.

The exercise also featured other counter-drone measures, including electronic warfare systems and weapons designed to engage drones at close range.