By Matt Underwood Ukraine deploys RPG-firing drones to crush Russian flank attempt near Torske, which instantly brings to mind the image of something straight out of a sci-fi movie, doesn’t it? It’s like somebody took the concept of “putting lasers on sharks” and applied it to modern warfare. We’re seeing a remarkable level of drone innovation coming from the Ukrainian side, and it’s fascinating to witness. It’s hard not to be impressed by their ingenuity and their ability to adapt readily to the circumstances they face.
Drones, viewed as sophisticated flying computers or robots, are playing a pivotal role in these life-or-death situations, and their capabilities are evolving at an astonishing rate. We’re talking about rapidly improving battery technology, unconventional engine designs, and the exploration of portable hydrogen fuel cells. Also important, there’s the incorporation of non-GPS navigation systems, efficient electronic speed controls, and access to things like cheap, readily-available digital fiber optic cables. Combine that with low-cost video headsets, infrared night vision capabilities, and AI-powered object detection and recognition software and you’ve got a recipe for a technological revolution on the battlefield.
One of the more unsettling ideas, and the direction this all appears to be heading, is the concept of a “Skynet perimeter” – a no-man’s-land patrolled by drones programmed to engage humans on sight. It’s a chilling thought, but also something we can foresee in the future in a possible scenario like the one on the Korean peninsula post-war. It’s a glimpse into a future where warfare is increasingly automated, and the role of human soldiers diminishes.
The Ukrainian program, reportedly, incentivizes its drone operators by rewarding them with points for eliminating high-value targets like enemy infantry and drone teams. They can then exchange these points for upgraded equipment. This gamification of warfare, while unsettling to some, leads to aggressive hunting of Russian troops, significantly boosting the effectiveness of these drone units. Videos from the front lines, particularly near Torske, show this in action: precise grenade drops from drones like the Mavic and Vampire models, eliminating Russian infantry with surgical precision.
The question arises of when will drones become the infantry themselves? This is something to be watching out for, because it is very likely that Russia will adopt similar tactics making it significantly harder to defend positions. What we are seeing is a historic moment in the history of warfare, a turning point. It’s akin to the introduction of tanks in World War I.
Drone warfare is undoubtedly going to be a central feature of combat from now on. It’s not just about the initial deployment; the real impact comes from the continuous development of strategies. The use of drones, and the subsequent evolution of these weapons, has led to situations where movement on the battlefield has essentially ground to a halt. The drones are impossible to jam, so if spotted, you’re as good as dead. This is definitely a significant turning point.
Innovation also lies in the ability to use off-the-shelf components to construct your own drone designs, sometimes with the help of 3D-printed parts. But the core technology, it seems, still originates from China, given neither side possesses the robust industrial base to manufacture many of these components themselves. We’re essentially witnessing weaponized robotics in action. Naval drones and satellite killers are also part of the equation. This is a situation where we are moving from the bow and arrow to the musket. Future militaries will be largely dependent on these technologies, and this is going to look increasingly like a fight against an automated force.
We’re seeing a drone/anti-drone system race. As in, the Russians are also making serious innovations such as the use of fiber optic drones. That brings entire areas to stalemate because the Ukrainians are now using them, too. While Russia should advance, the deployment of these weapon systems has been a great equalizer. It is likely that Ukraine developed the cheap little jet engine they use for some of their higher end long-range drones. Both sides are constantly evolving their electronic warfare capabilities.
The whole drone development reminds me of World War I airplanes, more than tanks. Tanks were designed for war, but airplanes were like “wait, we can improvise use of these for war.” Anti-drone drones have been around for over a year. There are a lot of videos of terrified young soldiers being hunted by drones, invariably ending with a zoom and a cut to black. Scary stuff. It’s a tech leap that is changing tactics in real-time.