By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukrainian soldiers are utilizing low-cost netting as a critical defense against Russian drones, covering positions, weaponry, and roadways. This tactic, unfamiliar to the British Army, proved essential in stopping the drones from reaching their targets. Upon learning of the nets, the UK quickly adopted the practice by gathering fishing nets to be used in training. The UK is now incorporating Ukrainian front-line experiences, including advancements in drone warfare, into its training and doctrine, highlighting the mutual learning occurring during the conflict.
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Ukrainian troops were “stunned” to learn their British trainers don’t use anti-drone nets, a detail that speaks volumes about the evolving nature of modern warfare and the unexpected knowledge gap that’s emerged. It’s a stark reminder that the realities on the ground in Ukraine, where drone warfare reigns supreme, are vastly different from the training environments of many Western armies, including Britain’s. This disconnect underscores the fact that the UK, despite its long history of military involvement, hasn’t been immersed in the kind of intense, constant drone combat that Ukraine and Russia have been experiencing.
This situation isn’t about one military being superior to another, but rather the unique circumstances that have shaped their experiences. The UK’s military has a wealth of experience, but it’s been in more traditional land wars and counter-insurgency operations. The Ukrainian conflict, however, has become a testing ground for cutting-edge drone technology and tactics. It’s a two-way exchange of knowledge, and there’s absolutely no shame in learning new things, especially if those things can save lives. Britain, like many countries, is now playing catch-up in this rapidly evolving field.
The focus on drone warfare is a relatively new phenomenon. When you consider the speed at which it has changed, it’s understandable that many military forces are still adapting. The conflict in Ukraine has thrown the spotlight on this new reality. As someone who’s seen the rapid adoption of drone technology firsthand, it’s clear that this is the future of warfare. It’s quickly become a critical element on the battlefield, and its significance is only increasing.
The Ukrainians, forged in the crucible of this war, have a hard-earned expertise in drone combat that surpasses that of many other armies. They’re not just users; they’re innovators, constantly adapting and improving their drone tactics and technologies. This makes them ideal trainers in this specific area. The knowledge exchange is happening now. It’s an opportunity for mutual learning, where British forces can gain invaluable insights into the realities of modern warfare and the Ukrainians can learn from the British’s wider military experience.
The evolution of drone technology is constantly pushing the boundaries. The British have the DragonFire system, which may offer an answer, but its development timeline and deployment status are still in question. The fact that the UK’s frontline troops might not yet have widespread access to anti-drone nets highlights the pace at which the battlefield is changing. In this new era, those who can adapt the fastest, those who embrace new tactics, are more likely to survive and succeed.
The fact that Ukrainian troops are sharing tactics and technologies shows that they’re also adapting. The war in Ukraine has highlighted that a modern force must be agile and ready to integrate new tools and techniques. This exchange of knowledge, this training of trainers, demonstrates that both sides recognize the need to learn from each other and to stay ahead of the curve. And, in the end, it’s about making sure that the soldiers on the ground are as safe and effective as possible.
The fact that Ukraine is going to come out of this war with the largest and most battle-hardened army in all of Europe. A battle-hardened army is a valuable asset, especially when facing constant threats. Also, the fact is that the drone warfare that’s emerging is new, and not all militaries are experienced. The key here is the speed of adoption and innovation in the face of these threats.
It is wise for Europe to obtain all pertinent Ukrainian combat drone data and designs, then using them as a basis, along with a little ingenuity, develop a robust combat drone, mass production capability. This would help to augment EU and British defenses while domestically produced weapons and equipment capabilities are scaled up to meet European needs. This is just another example of the ever-changing face of warfare and the importance of being adaptable and forward-thinking.