Russia-Ukraine Drone Wars: A New Era Of Skirmish

The Russia-Ukraine War’s Drone Wars: A Glimpse into the Future of Conflict

The three-year-old conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with militaries worldwide paying close attention to evolving drone warfare. The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) on the battlefield has become increasingly prevalent, with Ukraine at the forefront of this technological shift.

According to Oleksandra Molloy, a University of New South Wales expert, “Drones are here to stay, and they will be everywhere – on the ground, in the air, and at sea – in numbers.” This sentiment is underscored by the recent discovery of a North Korean counter-drone tactics notebook, which reveals surprisingly primitive methods that highlight the challenges traditional forces face against modern UAS.

The notebook outlines a basic three-person approach to downing Ukrainian drones, requiring one soldier to lure the drone into position while two others prepare to engage from a distance of 32-40 feet. However, this rudimentary technique has proven ineffective against more sophisticated systems like First Person View (FPV) drones.

These drones have been effective against troops lacking counter-UAS capabilities and proper concealment techniques. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reports that North Korean units have attempted to adapt by establishing additional observation posts for drone detection. However, these modifications appear to be reactive measures rather than part of a comprehensive counter-drone strategy.

The situation in Kursk has become a demonstration of how conventional military tactics can fail against modern drone warfare. Ukrainian forces’ successful use of both surveillance and attack drones against North Korean troops underscores the critical importance of developing effective counter-drone capabilities in contemporary military operations.

This incident raises broader questions about the future of infantry tactics in an era of increasingly prevalent drone warfare. As unmanned systems become more sophisticated, advanced counter-drone strategies and equipment are becoming increasingly critical for ground forces operating in modern conflicts. The effectiveness of consumer-grade FPV drones against conventional forces highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate this threat.

Thermal imaging has provided a significant tactical advantage in drone operations, particularly in adverse weather conditions. However, this technology also poses challenges for traditional military doctrine, which must adapt to counter the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is clear that drone warfare will play an increasingly prominent role in future conflicts. The lessons learned from this war will be crucial in shaping the future of infantry tactics and developing effective counter-drone capabilities.