Ukraine’s Navy Leads Forces for the First Time in NATO Exercise

For the first time in NATO history, the Ukrainian Navy led the command of forces during large-scale international exercises, demonstrating a high level of operational and innovative capabilities.
The Gaze reports this, referring to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
On October 6–10, 2025, the REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 25 exercises took place in Portugal, where the Ukrainian Navy played the role of the opposing force (OPFOR), carrying out planning, coordination, and force management.
The involvement of Ukrainian sailors was supported by NATO's Maritime Command (MARCOM), the Portuguese Navy, and the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC) with the aim of testing the combat readiness and interoperability of the forces of the 26 NATO member countries.
The exercises took into account current trends in naval warfare, in particular the active use of unmanned systems to coordinate strikes and respond quickly to threats.
The Ukrainian military integrated unmanned platforms into the DELTA combat system and worked according to NATO standard STANAG 4817, allowing them to test the interoperability and effectiveness of new technologies in various conditions, including electronic warfare.
Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga noted that “by leading the opposing team, Ukraine has become not only a participant but also a driving force for innovation, strengthening NATO's maritime resilience and shaping the future of collective security.”
Colonel Valery Vyshnevsky emphasized the uniqueness of Ukraine's participation in NATO exercises.
“We add the realism of modern combat to NATO exercises, which should further encourage the Alliance to implement innovative changes and tactics in maritime operations,” he said.
As The Gaze reported earlier, joint military exercises aimed at strengthening Europe’s defenses against aerial threats have begun in Denmark, with Ukrainian troops sharing frontline experience in countering drones.