{"id":16451,"date":"2026-06-11T14:54:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T11:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oulu.com\/ictoulu\/?p=16451"},"modified":"2026-06-11T15:16:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T12:16:33","slug":"ouluzone-quickly-provided-a-realistic-testing-environment-for-natos-lci-x-crucible-2-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oulu.com\/ictoulu\/news\/ouluzone-quickly-provided-a-realistic-testing-environment-for-natos-lci-x-crucible-2-26\/","title":{"rendered":"OuluZone quickly provided a realistic testing environment for NATO\u2019s LCI-X Crucible 2-26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From June 1\u201310, 2026, defence technology companies gathered at OuluZone\u2019s internationally renowned testing environment for NATO\u2019s LCI-X Crucible 2-26 event.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

OuluZone\u2019s exceptional facilities and infrastructure made it possible to organise, on a tight schedule, an international event focused on drone defence and security technology, where companies developing technology in the industry were able to test their innovative solutions for the detection and countermeasures of unmanned aerial. The high standard requirements of the testing environment led to the event being moved from the Baltic region to Finland and Oulu on a tight schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a practical level, the LCI-X series of testing events launched by NATO\u2019s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is designed to test new capabilities suitable for NATO operations that address the needs of the international security situation, such as the recently increasing drone threats. The testing events aim to achieve interoperability between drone defence sensors, effector systems, and command and control systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 In addition to ensuring the interoperability of the Alliance\u2019s counter-drone solutions, we are making sure that various solutions can be rapidly deployed and that they have the capability to respond to real threats. We are conducting trials in Oulu aimed at promoting innovation, evaluating current and emerging counter-drone technologies, and transforming these systems into operational capabilities for the Alliance. We are modelling the tactics and capabilities currently used by the adversary while testing tomorrow\u2019s operational methods, said Capt. Joseph Pisoni<\/strong>, describing the testing event held at OuluZone and the LCI-X initiative<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Capt. Joseph Pisoni<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LCI-X testing thus provides a structured environment for validating operations prior to large-scale deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 The goal of our trials is also to identify and resolve challenges related to cross-border operations, such as civil airspace management, legal frameworks, cross-border communications, and the handover of assets from one operator to another, Capt. Pisoni explained the objectives from a practical perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant Colonel Timo Salonen<\/strong>, a senior expert at Finland\u2019s NATO Mission, described the significance of the testing events for Finland, noting, among other things, that Finland is committed to developing digital capabilities and sharing experience and expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 We want to meet the Alliance\u2019s urgent needs to bring the latest technologies into operational use. We are building and strengthening the ecosystem for the development and testing of defence technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OuluZone is an internationally significant testing environment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OuluZone\u2019s strengths as a testing environment are based on a unique combination of diverse testing areas and infrastructure, as well as the strong technological expertise of the Oulu region. The area offers a realistic environment for testing and developing future data transmission and communication solutions, autonomous systems, drones, sensor and cybersecurity technologies, and AI solutions. Many of these are so-called dual-use technologies, meaning solutions that can be utilised in both the civilian and defence sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The significance of dual-use technology from the perspectives of civilian use and defence technology:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drones:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n