NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
NATO’s Crystal Arrow Exercise saw standard red on blue engagements as well as equipment demonstrations. (Photo: author)
The Crystal Arrow Exercise is being used by NATO as a way to put new equipment such as uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles into the hands of alliance users, particularly Latvian and Baltic forces.
NATO is working to improve procurement processes and make it easier for countries to purchase common and compatible equipment in a competitive way, with one example being the creation of a marketplace for counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) weapons.
This week’s Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise, which is taking place across northern Latvia, is described by the organisation as not just a military training exercise but also as an opportunity to test new concepts and evaluate and present new uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs).
Claudio Palestini, head of the innovation adoption unit at NATO’s defence innovation, industry and armament division (D2IA), spoke to media
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![June land forces roundup: Eurosatory shapes month amid Canada’s HIMARS buy and US JLTV progress]()
June land forces roundup: Eurosatory shapes month amid Canada’s HIMARS buy and US JLTV progress
This month’s land forces highlights were dominated by the eventful Eurosatory exhibition, particularly in the area of tanks, while separately the JLTV programme took another twist and Canada opted for HIMARS.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: As MGCS stalls, has Europe’s new MBT been unveiled?]()
Eurosatory 2026: As MGCS stalls, has Europe’s new MBT been unveiled?
Eurosatory 2026 saw a number of main battle tanks on display, including two new platforms which could be the future of European tanks.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine]()
Eurosatory 2026: Pearson Engineering to send AI mine detecting systems into Ukraine
Pearson Engineering’s Threat-Sense system is designed to use imaging from drones to geolocate scattered mines and support uncrewed systems in defeating the threats.
