Op Rehearsal: 1 Rifles conduct counter-drone training and UAV demonstrations in Kosovo

The British Army's 1 Rifles have conducted drills in Ferizaj Kosova during Operation Rehearsal, using counter-drone equipment and common data platforms. 

The exercise involved around 225 UK military personnel as part of the Nato Strategic Reserve alongside allied Nato forces. 

The multi-domain training included ground and aerial operations, uncrewed aerial system demonstrations, counter-drone training, sensor integration and AI-enhanced decision-making training. 

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Throughout the operations, the British units patrolled the Kosovan border to reassure and deter any land-based invasion within the region, with aerial support delivered by the US. 

Op Rehearsal demonstrated the UK's ability to deploy quickly to the eastern flank, integrate with allied forces, and contribute to Kosovo's security and stability. 

In 2024, BFBS Forces News went on patrol with 1st Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment, where they spent hours journeying to specific parts of the country to conduct visible and not-so-visible patrols. 

The 32-member alliance has been organising the operation to support the region through KFOR, which was created in 1999 following Nato's 78-day air campaign against Yugoslavia. 

The government said that the UK Armed Forces would support the peacekeeping mission for at least another three years in October 2025. 

KFOR is committed to implementing its long-standing UN mandate at all times and impartially to the benefit of all people and communities living in Kosovo. 

It has played a role in the peaceful de-escalation of tensions on many occasions.