Ukrainian Drones ‘Wiped Out’ US Armored Brigade in Germany’s War Games

Ukrainian drone operators repeatedly “destroyed” a 3,500-strong US armored brigade during military exercises in Germany, exposing how quickly battlefield tactics have changed in the age of drones. The clashes took place during the Combined Resolve exercises in April and May, where US troops faced Ukrainian forces from the 412th “Nemesis” Regiment of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, The Wall Street Journal reported.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The American brigade was tasked with assaulting positions reinforced by Ukrainian troops. But its heavy armored personnel carriers quickly became easy targets. The vehicles kicked up clouds of dust, making them highly visible to Ukrainian reconnaissance drones. Bomber and kamikaze drones then moved in. The Ukrainian drones “destroyed” the American vehicles so quickly that White Force exercise officials had to repeatedly “regenerate” them and send them back into the fight so the exercise could continue, according to a US official familiar with the results. During the exercise, a vehicle was considered destroyed when a drone hovered above it or flew close enough to strike. The US brigade was not completely defenseless. The Texas-based unit had standard electronic warfare and counter-drone systems, according to a US Army representative. Newer mobile units using more advanced equipment and tactics performed significantly better, according to the WSJ. Other Topics of Interest Russia Launches 133 Drones at Ukraine Overnight, Killing Two Railway Workers Russia launched 133 drones at Ukraine overnight, with 111 intercepted. Two railway workers were killed in a strike on a passenger train in Odesa region. The Americans adapted as the exercise continued, improving their camouflage, force distribution and use of electronic warfare. Ukrainian troops also helped them learn how to use drones more effectively for offensive operations. While Washington pioneered the use of unmanned aircraft, its military has traditionally focused heavily on long-range reconnaissance drones. Ukraine, meanwhile, has spent more than two years adapting drones for virtually every aspect of combat – from reconnaissance and artillery targeting to attacks on armored vehicles and infantry. The Pentagon is now testing Ukrainian drones for potential procurement and has begun using Ukrainian-developed counter-drone technology to protect US troops in the Middle East. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in May that he had increased the number of American troops being sent to Ukraine to study the country’s experience with drone warfare. Ukrainian drone operators also defeated NATO forces during exercises in the Baltic region in May 2026. This year, Ukrainian operators similarly overwhelmed Swedish forces during exercises simulating the defense of Gotland. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.