The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has transformed into a “war of drones,” with both sides employing advanced unmanned technology to gain a strategic advantage.
The Da Vinci Wolves battalion, a well-known Ukrainian unit, has been defending against relentless Russian attacks, which now typically involve small groups of soldiers attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian lines on foot while evading detection by drones.
“It’s more exhausting,” says Afer, the deputy commander of the Da Vinci Wolves, highlighting the constant pressure from Russian forces.
Their tactics have shifted from traditional armored assaults to stealthier approaches, utilizing the cover of terrain to gather groups of around 10 soldiers before launching attacks on Ukrainian positions.
Despite the high cost in lives – with 11 Russian soldiers killed in the last 24 hours alone – these assaults have become increasingly frequent.
The development of first-person view (FPV) drones has significantly altered the battlefield dynamics.
These drones, remotely piloted using onboard cameras, can strike targets up to 12 to 14 kilometers behind the front lines, effectively extending the “kill zone” deep into previously safe areas.
According to Afer, this has forced Ukrainian forces to rely heavily on ground drones for logistics, including transporting food, ammunition, and medical supplies.
Ground drones, like the $12,000 Termit, have proven invaluable in saving lives. The Termit can carry 300kg over 12 miles with a top speed of 7 miles per hour, navigating rough terrain with ease.
In one notable instance, a wounded soldier with severe injuries was evacuated using a land drone after a 20-hour process, highlighting the critical role these systems play in modern warfare.
Both sides engage in sophisticated electronic warfare, intercepting and jamming each other’s drone signals. Oleksandr, a team leader with the call sign Shoni, operates a specialist drone jammer capable of disabling enemy drones.
“We are jamming around 70%,” Shoni says, though he acknowledges that the Russians achieve a similar success rate, amounting to 30 to 35 enemy drones jammed daily.
The conflict in Ukraine serves as a testing ground for drone technology and tactics. As both sides continue to adapt and innovate, the role of drones in warfare is likely to expand.
With the integration of AI and autonomous systems, the nature of combat is evolving rapidly. Ukrainian officials have stated that in 2025, more autonomous drones with AI targeting will arrive on the battlefield, potentially revolutionizing drone warfare.
For those involved in the conflict, the personal toll is significant. Buhan, a pilot, reflects on his life before the war, saying, “I would have had a completely different life if it had not been for the war.”
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, pilots like Buhan and Daos remain resolute in their determination to fight for freedom, nodding in unison when asked about their motivation to continue.
As the war continues, the technological advancements in drone warfare will likely have lasting implications for military strategy and tactics.
The innovative use of drones, combined with the bravery and resilience of those on the front lines, underscores the complexity and severity of the conflict in Ukraine.
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