NATO MW COE 10th Anniversary: From Reflection to a Roadmap for the Future
The NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MW COE) marked its 10th Anniversary with a high-level event co-hosted with the Slovenian Armed Forces General Staff.
The celebration began the evening before with a welcome reception, attended by the Slovenian Minister of Defence, Mag. Borut Sajovic, who underlined the central role of the Centre as both a unique national institution and a vital contributor to NATO’s collective strength. His words set the stage for a day of reflection and forward-looking discussion.
The following day, senior representatives from NATO commands and contributing nations, including the Slovenian Deputy Chief of Defence, Brigadier General Uroš Paternus, gathered for a strategic round table. The debate was structured around important talking points.
The discussions were candid and constructive. A key outcome was the recognition that the MW COE must now raise its level of ambition. With its doctrinal foundation complete — the Mountain Warfare Concept, ATrainP-6, and ATP 3.2.1.3 — the Centre is well positioned to define clear training requirements for inclusion in the NATO Strategic Training Plan. This would allow the development of harmonized training guidelines and their eventual integration into Allied Force Standards, Volume 7, embedding Mountain Warfare systematically into NATO’s training architecture.
The analytical dimension was followed by a live demonstration at the training area, showcasing the digital transformation of operations in mountains. Using digital command systems, FPV UAS, and logistic UAS, the demonstration illustrated in real time how technology can overcome terrain challenges and transform operations. These innovations directly support NATO’s broader strategic frameworks:
DDA (Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area): Strengthening readiness in mountainous regions.
WDA (Warfighting Development Agenda): Driving innovation and force transformation.
MDO (Multi-Domain Operations): Integrating mountain warfare across land, air, maritime, cyber, space, and information domains.
As emphasized in the Director’s speech, the future of mountain warfare will depend on soldiers who can combine traditional endurance with mastery of advanced technologies. Tomorrow’s mountain warrior will not only climb, march, and survive the elements — but also operate drones, harness sensor networks, and apply digital planning tools in a truly multi-domain framework.
Importantly, the event also highlighted the strong link between the military and civil society. Civilian associations — including the Slovenian Police, Slovenian Association of Mountain Soldiers, the Regional Union of Veterans of the War for Slovenia, and the Alpine Association of Slovenia — were present and actively engaged, underscoring the enduring cultural, historical, and social relevance of mountain warfare beyond the strictly military domain.
More than a commemoration, this Anniversary marked a strategic milestone. It reaffirmed Slovenia’s role as a committed host nation and set out a clear roadmap for the future of Mountain Warfare in NATO: innovation, integration in NATO, and ambition.
Photos by: Zvone Vrankar and Borut Cirnski, GS SAF
