The Alliance should adopt defense innovations implemented by Ukraine: NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe
General Alexus Grinkevich is the Supreme Commander of the United Armed Forces of NATO in Europe stated, that the member states of the Alliance should learn from Ukraine — primarily in its ability to quickly implement defense innovations in wartime conditions. He said this during the LANDEURO-2025 symposium held in Wiesbaden (Germany).
The general emphasized that the full-scale invasion of Russia forced Ukraine to work in an extremely dynamic environment, where decisions on technical upgrades are made not in years, but in days. According to him, this should become a guideline for NATO: “We have to find mechanisms in our armies to maintain the pace of innovation, as the Ukrainians do.”
He separately appealed to the defense industry of NATO countries – both in the USA and in Europe – with a call to speed up the production and supply of modern equipment. Hrinkevich emphasized that the Allies should clearly formulate technical requirements and shorten procurement terms so that the combat units in the land, air and sea forces receive real technological capabilities as soon as possible: “We cannot wait – we need real capabilities that should get to the armies, air forces and navies as soon as possible.”
The general called for close coordination between the US and European states within the framework of defense cooperation. In his opinion, there should be no dilemma as to where exactly to invest — in the US or Europe, because the defense industry should function as a single system on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hrinkevich also mentioned the decision of NATO member states, adopted last month, regarding the obligation to allocate at least 5% of GDP to defense needs. He called this step historic and one that confirms the political will to strengthen the collective security of the Alliance in the face of growing global threats.
Ukraine remains an important focus of NATO’s security policy. The US continues to provide military assistance to Kyiv, particularly in the field of unmanned technologies. Ukrainian drones are actively used in combat operations for reconnaissance, adjusting artillery fire and surveillance, and individual models can be integrated into practical US programs to study combat experience and improve tactics.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said on July 16 that the United States is interested in purchasing Ukrainian drones. According to him, during the conversation with Donald Trump, he also raised the issue of creating a strategic air shield over Ukraine – not only on the basis of Patriot systems, but also with the involvement of other technological solutions for the protection of the sky.
