By Max Hunder (Reuters) – The military commander overseeing Ukraine’s unmanned systems has issued a stark warning, stating that NATO armed forces are ill-prepared for the challenges posed by drones in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, emphasized the urgent need for a technological edge in the face of escalating drone warfare.
Ukraine is actively working to maintain a strategic advantage by harnessing artificial intelligence, expanding its ground drone capabilities, and experimenting with laser technology to combat Russian unmanned aerial vehicles. In an interview conducted within the recently established headquarters of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Sukharevskyi detailed the rapid evolution of drone warfare since the conflict began in 2022, highlighting the disruption it has caused to traditional war doctrines.
Expressing concerns about the readiness of NATO forces to counter the proliferation of drones, Sukharevskyi stressed the economic efficiency of drone technology compared to conventional defense measures. He pointed out the disparity in costs between deploying costly missile systems to intercept drones and the relatively lower expenses associated with drone production, underscoring the importance of recognizing this disparity in military strategy.
As some European NATO members bolster their defense spending in anticipation of prolonged or heightened conflict in Ukraine, the use of drones has seen a significant surge since the 2022 Russian invasion. Sukharevskyi noted Ukraine’s substantial production of drones in response to the evolving battlefield dynamics, with a focus on enhancing tactical utilization and technological advancements to counter enemy threats effectively.
With Russian drone attacks becoming a routine occurrence in Ukraine, Sukharevskyi highlighted the critical role drones play in target destruction, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptability and technological innovation in response. Ukraine’s proactive measures include the development of laser systems for drone interception and the implementation of mothership drones for enhanced operational capabilities.
In the face of evolving battlefield challenges, Ukraine remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic tactics to mitigate the threats posed by drones, underscoring the imperative for NATO forces to enhance their readiness and adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare.
Drones have become crucial assets operating on the frontlines, significantly reducing the need for soldiers to venture into hazardous areas for logistical or combat purposes. The battlefield has witnessed a proliferation of extensive electronic warfare tactics employed by both sides, aiming to disrupt signal connections to airborne drones, effectively incapacitating conventional drone operations. Consequently, there has been a significant surge in the deployment of drones equipped with automated targeting systems, enabling the drones to autonomously navigate towards their designated targets via artificial intelligence once identified by the operator through the drone’s camera feed. However, it is emphasized that the ultimate decision to initiate a strike must rest with a human operator rather than artificial intelligence.
According to Sukharevskyi, approximately half of Ukraine’s frontline drone units have embraced such advanced systems to varying degrees, with the expectation that the majority of drones engaged in combat activities would eventually be integrated with this technology. Acknowledging certain supply challenges, particularly in meeting the demands for munitions required by strike drone units, which are typically provisioned separately, Sukharevskyi hinted at the development of internal production capabilities within certain units. Notably, one brigade has demonstrated the capacity to manufacture an impressive 6,000-10,000 munitions per month independently.
Reflecting on the strategic significance of drones in modern warfare, Sukharevskyi underscored their pivotal role in enabling an asymmetrical response when faced with a formidable adversary actively advancing their offensive capabilities. The indispensable contributions of drones are highlighted as pivotal in enabling a strategic counterbalance when confronted with superior enemy forces.
(Source: Reporting by Max Hunder; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Sharon Singleton)
