From 16th to 17th April 2024 the EPRC attended the NATO Lessons Learned Conference 2024 (NLLC24), organised by the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre (JALLC) and held in Lisbon at the Portuguese Land Forces Military Academy.
In line with the theme of the NLLC24 that was “NATO LL Capability Development in support of NATO 2030 efforts”, participants attended plenary sessions covering topics from the “NATO 2030 Agenda” with a LL aspect. During these sessions, leaders and subject matter experts discussed and presented, in panel format or through individual presentations, LL aspects relating to Digital Transformation, LL sharing and Interoperability, and LL support to Capability Development enabling the Alliance to conduct Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).
Other topics of interest included updates on the NATO LL Capability, Partners’ experiences with LL, and insights on latest technological developments of relevance to LL.
The conference was opened by Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Christian Badia, via hologram: The General highlighted the importance of Lessons process, especially in the context of Russia’s War against Ukraine. The opening remarks were followed by an overview of NATO 2030 efforts with more insights into Digital Transformation, MDO, and the use of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT). The first day ended with panel presentations and discussions where distinguished speakers shared their insights on the topic: “LL in the Digital Transformation Age”.
The second day of the NLLC24 was another packed day, with panel presentations and discussions on: “Enhancing Alliance learning through improved LL sharing and interoperability,” and “NATO LL Capability Development in support of other NATO Capabilities”. It also included a presentation and Q&A session with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine via a live video connection from Ukraine.
On the 18th, dedicated meetings were set for specific communities of interests to get together and discuss and decide on topics relevant to their community. The EPRC attended the Land Domain LL Meeting, organised and held by the Allied Land Command (LANDCOM). This meeting included presentations and discussions on relevant topics, such as: LANDCOM update on Lessons Learned in the Land Domain, update on LL from Ukraine, lessons from major land domain exercises in 2023, enhancing LL sharing across the land domain, LL across the spectrum of conflict and the role of LL to inform commander’s decision machine.
The NLLC24 has been a great opportunity for LL experts and practitioners from different realities within and outside of the NATO structure to openly discuss about the main problems of this area of expertise, building a transversal understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, strengthening the LL community, creating and improving connections and collaborations that will keep developing in the future.
