Allied Command Transformation’s (ACT) Layered Counter-UAS Initiative (LCI-X) is a series of threat-informed events designed to test and integrate counter-UAS solutions in support of NATO’s Eastern Flank. These events ensure that Allied counter-UAS solutions are interoperable, rapid, and threat-based across the Alliance. This accelerated innovation—from concept to operational capability—demonstrates ACT’s ability to support operations and enhanced Vigilance Activity Eastern Sentry. LCI-X is also a tangible demonstration of NATO’s ability to absorb and apply lessons from the war in Ukraine.
LCI-X Crucible Series: The LCI-X Crucible Series is a campaign of operational experimentation events conducted across Europe. Each event builds in complexity, moving from tactical counter-UAS cell integration towards multi-cell tests plugged into NATO command-and-control systems. Finland hosted the second LCI-X Crucible event in June 2026. This event focused on linking individual counter-UAS cells together, advancing NATO’s goal of creating a mosaic of counter-UAS cells that can be deployed, connected, and scaled. Previously in April 2026, Romania hosted the first LCI-X Crucible event, providing Allies and industry with an opportunity to validate their counter-UAS technology against ACT-controlled UAS mimicking Russian tactics and equipment. This event helped guide NATO and Allied efforts to develop counter-UAS systems and tactics.
Interoperability-Focused Solutions: Interoperability and integration amongst Allied forces is a key theme to LCI-X. LCI-X provides a structured environment for NATO, Allies and industry to test, refine and connect counter-UAS solutions before they are fielded at scale. Rigorous experimentation—enabled by realistic ACT-led testing environments—advances interoperability between counter-UAS sensors, effectors and command-and-control elements as well as between NATO and National systems.
Rapid Adoption: LCI-X is showcasing NATO’s speed and agility in implementing emerging and disruptive technologies. The Initiative works in short three-month cycles that scan, test and connect new counter-UAS capabilities. This tempo ensures that NATO’s counter-UAS solutions are constantly evolving to meet the current threat and are available to shape the future fight. This empowers NATO and Allies to be postured, trained and equipped for coordinated, 360-degree defence of sovereign territory. ACT is also working across the NATO enterprise to accelerate counter-UAS innovation.
NATO’s Partnership With Ukraine: NATO and Allies are learning from Ukraine’s experience countering Russian UAS attacks through the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in Poland. Together with JATEC, ACT provides an operational experimentation environment. This environment has real-world threat presentations for Nations and industry to test counter-UAS solutions while accelerating NATO integration. This ensures NATO’s counter-UAS solutions can defeat evolving battlefield threats.
Industry Cooperation and Testing: Through an Invitation for International Bidding, NATO invited counter-UAS industry from Allied Nations to LCI-X Crucible events. With ACT providing operational context, integration objectives and testing conditions, industry is demonstrating their compliance and interoperability with NATO data standards. This is critical to counter-UAS interoperability within the broader NATO command-and-control ecosystem.
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