Ground robots in Latvia and the history of manned-unmanned teaming
This week on the Break Out, Breaking Defense Europe’s Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo shares what she witnessed during a visit to the forests of Latvia to observe unmanned ground vehicles put to the test during NATO’s recent Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise.
Then Caitlin Lee of the RAND Corporation explains how a recent Pentagon drone initiative has roots that arguably stretch back at least to the Kennedy administration during the Cold War. More of that conversation can be heard in the second part of our new video series focused on the benefits and risks of relying on unmanned systems.
NATO conducted the Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise in Latvia, where unmanned ground vehicles were tested. This exercise highlights the ongoing integration of unmanned systems in military operations, with historical roots tracing back to the Cold War. The event showcases the evolving capabilities and strategies of NATO forces in utilizing unmanned technology.
- NATO conducted the Crystal Arrow 2026 exercise in Latvia.
- Unmanned ground vehicles were tested during the exercise.
- The report includes historical context regarding unmanned systems from the Cold War.