The NATO exercise conducted in Estonia last year, named Hedgehog 2025, unveiled significant weaknesses in Western military preparedness for contemporary combat conditions. During the exercise, Ukrainian forces, acting as the opposing side, demonstrated their tactical superiority by repeatedly overwhelming the alliance's troops using drone technology. This exposed the inability of NATO forces to respond effectively to a fast-evolving battlefield scenario, raising concerns about their operational readiness in actual conflict situations.

Involving over 16,000 soldiers from twelve member countries, OECD forces trained alongside Ukrainian experts in unmanned systems to simulate a dynamic warfare environment. The exercise was designed to reflect conditions reminiscent of the early phases of the ongoing war in Ukraine, rather than the currently stagnant frontline reality. This approach highlighted the need for NATO to adapt and evolve its training regimens to better prepare for conflicts characterized by rapid technological advancements and unorthodox combat methods.

Colonel Arba Probal, head of the program for unmanned systems in Estonia's armed forces, noted that the exercise simulated a chaotic battlefield overwhelmed by drones and technological engagement. The primary objective was to stress-test NATO units under pressure and decision-making overload. The evident dominance of Ukrainian forces during the drill underscores the need for NATO to reassess its strategies and operational tactics to counter emerging threats effectively, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues to redefine modern military engagement.