NATO Fleets Integrate Ukrainian Tactical Experience in Baltic and Mediterranean Seas

NATO, particularly the United States, is analyzing and incorporating the elements of Ukrainian naval warfare tactics.

Stars and Stripes reported on this, citing Rear Admiral Michael Mathis — commander of the 66th Operational Tactical Group and director of strategic effects for the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa.

According to Mathis, the lessons learned are already being taken into account when developing new approaches for operations in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas.

Meanwhile, these developments could be adapted for the Indo-Pacific region—particularly the waters near Japan, Taiwan, and the northern Philippines—where China is actively contesting territories belonging to U.S. partners and allies.

Some of these lessons were already applied during this year’s multinational BALTOPS exercises led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet.

In particular, surface drones simulated attacks on the Sixth Fleet’s flagship, USS Mount Whitney, and the destroyer USS Paul Ignatius.

According to Rear Admiral Michael Mathis, Ukraine has already disabled about 40% of the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s naval vessels and denied it access to a significant portion of the maritime area.

In his view, the battle in the Black Sea has demonstrated that in future wars there is no universal technology, perfect tactics, or flawless procedures.

It’s more about continuous innovation and high-quality training that enable staying ahead of the enemy and creating situations they are unprepared for.

Mathis emphasized that the key objective was the integration of cruise missiles, ground and aerial drones, deception tools, and other instruments that collectively pose a wide range of threats to the adversary.

According to him, although the Ukrainian experience is not a direct blueprint for operations in the Pacific region, it clearly demonstrates what future warfare may look like—with extensive use of unmanned platforms at sea.

It’s worth noting that NATO member countries have already deployed maritime drones for sea patrols. For example, the Danish Navy has been reported to use Voyager surface drones to patrol the Baltic and North Seas amid regional tensions.