U.S. And UK Forces Use FlyTrap 5.0 Counter-Drone Exercise To Shape NATO Eastern Flank Air Defense Doctrine

U.S. and UK forces conducted FlyTrap 5.0, a counter-drone exercise in Eastern Europe designed to develop and validate NATO air defense doctrine for the alliance's eastern flank. The exercise tested a range of defeat systems against multiple UAS categories including Group 1-3 drones and loitering munitions. Findings from FlyTrap 5.0 will directly inform updates to NATO's Standing Counter-UAS Concept and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. The exercise highlights the growing priority given to drone threat mitigation in NATO's collective defense planning.