NATO Transformed Nine Brigades Into High-Tech Forces
The alliance has expanded its eastern flank defense by upgrading multinational units with unmanned systems.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Military
Live Poll
Should the U.S. increase its investment in NATO military operations on the European eastern flank?
NATO has evolved nine multinational brigades across Central and Eastern Europe into larger, more robust high-tech forces. These units are integrating unmanned systems to improve readiness along the alliance's eastern flank.
Why it matters
This transformation marks a shift from smaller battlegroups to more capable brigade-sized formations intended to bolster regional security. Host countries are also establishing new divisions to support these reinforced multinational assets.
NATO currently maintains 9 multinational brigades led by Sweden, the UK, Canada, Germany, the US, France, Spain, Italy, and Hungary. This represents a significant increase from the 4 initial battlegroups deployed in 2017.
The players
General Alexus Grynkewich
General Alexus Grynkewich serves as the commander of the newly established Forward Land Forces Finland.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance consisting of 32 member states from Europe and North America.
The details
The newly configured brigades incorporate advanced unmanned systems to enhance combat capabilities. These forces are supported by new divisions being formed by host countries in the region, including Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania.
Timeline
NATO initially deployed four eFP battlegroups in 2017.
The Forward Land Forces Finland battlegroup was officially stood up on June 6, 2026.
Political Context
This transition to high-tech brigade-sized units marks a definitive evolution from the 2017 deployment of the initial eFP battlegroups. The move reflects the alliance's pivot toward greater scale and technological sophistication to counter perceived regional threats.
The transition to larger, high-tech brigades signals a significant shift in regional defense postures and military funding requirements for host nations. Residents in eastern flank countries may see increased military activity and local infrastructure projects dedicated to supporting these new divisions.
The takeaway
The move to incorporate unmanned systems into multinational brigades demonstrates a broader push toward modernized, integrated warfare capabilities within NATO. Countries across the eastern flank are now aligning their domestic defense divisions to ensure these upgraded units are fully supported.
Further reading
For more on the alliance's strategic adjustments, visit our Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Janes.
Live Poll
Should the U.S. increase its investment in NATO military operations on the European eastern flank?
