Calian and SkyFall Partner to Boost NATO-Aligned Drone Training
Event summary
- Calian and SkyFall signed a strategic partnership on September 16, 2026, to advance unmanned systems training for NATO and allied forces.
- The collaboration combines SkyFall Academy’s drone training expertise with Calian’s 40-year military training experience.
- SkyFall Academy has trained over 30,000 Ukrainian personnel, while Calian has trained over 300,000 personnel for NATO and allied forces.
- The partnership aims to enhance interoperability between Ukraine, NATO, and allied forces through shared training programs.
The big picture
This partnership follows recent defence cooperation agreements between Ukraine and Canada, reflecting a broader trend of NATO allies seeking to modernize training programs with real-world operational insights from active conflict zones. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in defence strategies, particularly as Ukraine’s experience with drone warfare becomes a critical reference point for Western militaries.
What we're watching
- Operational Integration
- How quickly SkyFall’s frontline drone experience in Ukraine can be integrated into Calian’s NATO-aligned training frameworks.
- Market Expansion
- Whether SkyFall Academy can scale its training capabilities beyond Ukraine and Canada into other NATO member states.
- Technological Adaptation
- The pace at which unmanned systems training evolves to match rapid advancements in drone warfare tactics.