Untrained Aerial Combat: The Role of Drones in the Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine
The Russian-Ukrainian War, now in its eighth month, has become a battleground for the use of drones, with significant implications for modern warfare. Dr. Kerry Chávez, a research fellow at the Military, War, and State (MWI) programme and an instructor in the Political Science Department at Texas Tech University, recently published an article in Arms Control Today examining this very topic.
According to Dr. Chávez, the use of drones in the conflict has become central to Ukraine's defence strategy, serving multiple purposes such as reconnaissance, precision strikes, and disrupting enemy operations. This demonstrates the effectiveness of drones in low-cost, high-impact roles that can shape battle outcomes.
The conflict has also accelerated the diffusion and adaptation of drone technology. Russia, for instance, has deployed Iranian drones, reflecting a broader pattern of military technology transfers and cooperation among adversarial states to enhance asymmetric capabilities.
The extensive use of drones has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional military forces, driving innovation in counter-drone systems. Future wars are likely to integrate unmanned systems deeply in both offensive and defensive operations.
Moreover, drones are changing the calculus of escalation and deterrence. Their relatively low cost and deniability may lower thresholds for conflict initiation or increase gray-zone confrontations.
The lessons learned from the Russian-Ukrainian War are influencing global military doctrines. Powers are observing lessons on drone integration, electronic warfare, and hybrid tactics shaping future warfare landscapes.
Dr. Chávez argues that the Russian-Ukrainian War demonstrates the transformative impact of drones on warfighting and international security. This highlights the need for updated policies and frameworks to manage drone proliferation and mitigate risks associated with unmanned technologies in warfare.
It is important to note that the article does not represent the official stance of any military or government entity. The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.
The article is behind a paywall until February 2023, but key insights can be gleaned from the information provided. The use of drones in the Russian-Ukrainian War has implications for preponderant militaries such as the United States, as well as under-resourced rebels. The Russians initially overlooked the use of drones, but they are learning from this mistake and resurging.
The Ukrainians have resisted and even routed Russian forces on many fronts, thanks in part to their effective use of drones. As the war continues, the role of drones in shaping the battlefield is likely to evolve, with potential ripple effects on future conflicts worldwide.
[1] Dr. Kerry Chávez, "The Transformative Impact of Drones in the Russian-Ukrainian War," Arms Control Today, [accessible until February 2023].
- Drone technology, central to Ukraine's defense strategy, has demonstrated its effectiveness in roles like reconnaissance, precision strikes, and disrupting enemy operations during the Russian-Ukrainian War.
- The conflict has spurred innovation in counter-drone systems due to the extensive use of drones by both parties, foreshadowing their deep integration in future wars.
- The adoption of drones in war and conflicts has ramifications for global military doctrines, as countries learn from the lessons on drone integration, electronic warfare, and hybrid tactics in the Russian-Ukrainian War.
- The politics of drone proliferation and the risks associated with unmanned technologies in warfare require updated policies and frameworks to manage these evolving R&D landscapes.
- The military use of drones in the Russian-Ukrainian War has implications for preponderant militaries like the United States, as well as under-resourced rebels, making it crucial to understand their impact on future conflicts worldwide.
