Crystal Arrow 2026: In Latvia’s Forests, NATO Learns to Fight the Ukrainian Way

Lettonie, 19 October 2026Photos and text: Thibault Périat15 images

Crystal Arrow 2026 : la Lettonie prépare la guerre des drones

01 / 15 · Lettonie, 19 October 2026Thibault Périat / Collectif DR

In the forests of Latvia, less than 200 kilometres from the Russian border, Exercise Crystal Arrow 2026 reveals the changing nature of modern warfare. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, NATO is testing the large-scale integration of unmanned ground vehicles into military operations. Yet challenging terrain, vulnerable communications and technological dependence expose the limits of this transformation. An inside look at an Alliance preparing for a potential conflict where innovation alone cannot overcome the harsh realities of a war of attrition.

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