Czech Army conducts Drone Shield 2026 technology testing

The Drone Shield 2026 exercise is currently underway, involving over 1,000 participants, including representatives from NATO, military observers from countries such as the USA, Slovakia, and Latvia, and more than 70 companies from 17 nations. The exercise focuses on testing unmanned systems, anti-drone technologies, and ground robotic platforms to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

Key testing areas include 'Last Mile' drone technology, which allows an unmanned vehicle to autonomously lock onto and strike a target in its final flight phase, providing protection against electronic jamming. Military officials noted a significant shift toward optical guidance systems that function even when GPS and communication lines are fully jammed.

The goal of the exercise is to evaluate how these technologies perform under real-world military requirements to inform future procurement processes for the Czech Army. This year's event is noted for its inclusion of Ukrainian companies featuring personnel with direct operational combat experience.