NATO Layered Counter-UAS Initiative (LCI-X)

The Layered Counter-UAS Initiative (LCI-X) is a NATO Allied Command Transformation effort to test and connect counter-drone sensors, effectors and command and control systems from Allies and industry, in support of NATO's eastern flank and the Eastern Sentry activity. It runs as the Crucible series of operational experimentation events in three-month cycles, intended to move counter-UAS solutions from concept to fielding at scale and to make them interoperable with NATO command and control. The first Crucible event took place in Romania in April 2026 with about 500 personnel and more than 215 systems, and the second was held in Finland in June 2026.