Unmanned Systems in Mountain Warfare: MWCOE to Host International Workshop on Emerging Tactical Employment

The NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MWCOE) will host an international workshop on 25–26 March in Poljce, Slovenia, focused on the evolving role of Unmanned Systems in mountain warfare.

Titled “Unmanned Systems in Mountain Warfare: Company Employment and Battalion Integration,” the workshop will bring together military experts from NATO nations and selected specialists to exchange operational experience and explore how drones can be effectively integrated into mountain units.

Recent conflicts have shown that unmanned systems—particularly ISR platforms FPV drones and Logistics drones—are rapidly transforming the tactical battlefield. In mountainous environments, however, their employment raises specific challenges related to airspace management, terrain constraints, electronic warfare, and command integration.

Building on the results of the MWCOE Pilot Workshop on UAV Employment in Mountainous Terrain held in 2025, this event aims to move from initial experimentation toward structured operational integration.

Key discussions will focus on:

• Employment of unmanned systems at company level

• Integration of UAV and FPV teams within battalion structures

• Airspace management and deconfliction in complex terrain

• Lessons learned from recent exercises and ongoing real world operations

• Counter-UAS measures and operations in contested electromagnetic environments

The workshop represents an important step in MWCOE’s ongoing effort to support NATO Mountain Forces in adapting to the growing role of unmanned systems and to contribute to the development of future concepts, training activities, and TTPs for mountain warfare.

Looking Ahead

The insights gathered during the workshop will inform the next phase of MWCOE activities, including the development of a dedicated  concept framework for unmanned systems employment in mountainous terrain.

As unmanned capabilities continue to reshape the tactical environment, the MWCOE remains committed to ensuring that NATO mountain forces are prepared to operate effectively, safely, and decisively in complex terrain.