Unmanned Systems Integration in the Operations Planning Process Course
To promote professional military education, interoperability and the integration of unmanned systems considerations into NATO operational planning, the Operations Planning Process (USIOPP) course (ETOC JPL-OP-37331), will be held at the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), Tartu, Estonia, from 7 to 11 December 2026.
The five-day residential course - academically developed and delivered by the National Defence University of Ukraine in cooperation with BALTDEFCOL - prepares operational-level planners and functional-area subject-matter experts to analyse unmanned systems capabilities, limitations and operational effects, and integrate relevant considerations into selected activities of the NATO Operations Planning Process in accordance with the Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD).
The course is designed for military officers (OF-2 to OF-5), selected non-commissioned officers (OR-7 to OR-9), and civilian equivalents serving as operational-level planners or unmanned-systems subject-matter experts in NATO, national, multinational or partner headquarters.
Key Topics- Analyse unmanned-systems implications in the strategic and operational planning context.
- Integrate unmanned-systems considerations into Mission Analysis and Course of Action Development.
- Synchronise unmanned-systems considerations during Plan Refinement, Execution, and Synchronisation.
Administration
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Course Classification
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UNCLASSIFIED
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Course Fee
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None. Travel, meals and lodging costs are to be covered by the sending institution.
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Dress Code |
Military personnel — Field Uniforms · Civilians — Casual
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Language
| English |
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Certificate
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Issued to each participant upon successful completion of the course
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Registration
Important: All travel and subsistence costs are to be covered by the sending institution.
Next available course: December 07–11, 2026
Registration open: 02–15 November 2026
Register here
Nomination & Registration Process
Candidates must register by 15 November 2026 using the registration form for BALTDEFCOL Short Courses available below. Please note that the registration will not be available before 2 November 2026.
The POC should receive an automatic confirmation that the nomination has been received.
Selected candidates will be notified by email with further instructions within 3 working days of the registration closing date.
For admin questions, please contact the Course Director:
CDR Stefan Becker, [email protected]
For Academic and Course Content matters:
Ms Ilona Korenivska, [email protected]