NATO Opens Training and Analysis Center in Poland to Study Ukraine’s War Experience

NATO has opened a new center in Bydgoszcz, Poland, to study Ukraine’s wartime experiences against Russia, marking the first military-civilian initiative between NATO and Ukraine. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska announced this during the official opening ceremony on February 17.

Officially named the Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center (JATEC), the facility will analyze the lessons learned by Ukrainian military personnel and civilians during their efforts to repel Russian aggression, with its findings set to shape battlefield tactics and NATO’s military strategy.

“The opening of the Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Center is a real step forward for NATO and Ukraine. Its work will help both the Alliance and Ukraine become stronger, making all of us more secure… This is a unique civil-military organization—the first to be jointly led by NATO and a partner country,” the NATO representative emphasized.

“Here, we will learn from Ukraine firsthand, gaining direct experience in countering Russian aggression. The center will strengthen Ukraine’s security and defense sector, enhance its deterrence and defense capabilities in the long term, and support Ukraine in achieving full interoperability with NATO.”

The alliance plans to use the center’s work—for example, its analysis of weaponry and combat tactics—in ongoing Ukrainian military training. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev confirmed that the center’s staff will contribute to developing practical solutions for the battlefield, ultimately enhancing the defense capabilities of Ukraine and its NATO partners.

One key focus will be on air defense, as the team works to improve interoperability between Ukraine and NATO and explore innovative methods for countering various aerial threats.

Established by the NATO Council on December 16, 2024, as part of the alliance’s command structure, JATEC reports directly to the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, and more than 70 personnel are involved in its operations, one-quarter of whom are Ukrainian.

Previously, it was announced that Canada will provide two additional F-16 flight simulators to Ukraine, doubling its initial commitment.