In May 2025, NATO conducted a significant military exercise named Hedgehog in Estonia, which involved 16,000 troops simulating combat conditions reflective of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Reports indicate that two battalions were 'destroyed' within 24 hours, highlighting critical lessons learned about the effectiveness of drone warfare employed by Ukrainian forces. This revelation has sparked a debate about the readiness of European armies to adapt to these modern tactics and the implications for NATO's operational strategies.

French military sources have pointed out that while European nations provide training to Ukrainian troops, there is a complex exchange of tactics since Ukraine has been actively engaged in high-intensity combat. The comment that only three armies in the world are battle-proven for high-intensity warfare - Ukrainian, Russian, and to a lesser extent North Korean - reflects the unique dynamic and operational experiences these forces possess. This experience offers insights that traditional European militaries may lack, particularly in adapting to newly evolved military technologies and strategies.

As European nations evaluate their military readiness, the lessons from the Hedgehog exercise underscore the urgency for modernizing training and combat approaches. Analysts are questioning whether NATO can meet the challenges posed by drone warfare and whether the learned experiences from the Ukraine conflict will influence the future of military doctrine across Europe. Therefore, as the landscape of warfare evolves, European militaries must be prepared to reassess and redefine their strategies and capabilities in light of these findings, ensuring that they remain capable of defending against current and future threats.