When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict drew comparisons to wars of the twentieth century. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery dominated the battlefield, with infantry dug into trenches. A similar scene was witnessed when the authors first visited Ukraine in September 2022. Since then, they have made regular trips to the country, providing firsthand insight into this monumental transformation: the emergence of a new kind of warfare.
A key player in this shift is the Ukrainian Third Assault Brigade’s Drone Unit, led by Commander Fil. In summer 2023, Fil discussed the unit’s role in Ukraine’s defense strategy with the authors. His insights revealed how drones are becoming an integral part of modern conflict, offering significant advantages over traditional methods.
The use of drones has transformed the nature of warfare in several ways. Firstly, they provide real-time intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities, allowing commanders to make more informed decisions on the battlefield. Secondly, drones can be used for precision strikes against enemy targets, minimizing civilian casualties. Lastly, drones have reduced the risk of human casualties by performing tasks that would otherwise put soldiers in harm’s way.
As Ukraine continues to employ drones in its fight against Russia, it is clear that this new kind of warfare is here to stay. The authors’ firsthand experience has shown them that the impact of drones on modern conflict cannot be overstated, and they look forward to continuing to follow this developing story in Ukraine.
Source: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/dawn-automated-warfare