This Australian Army occasional paper analyzes the impact of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Evidence-based research, primarily from interviews with Ukrainian and Australian experts, reveals how drones have fundamentally altered modern warfare. The paper explores the evolution of drone use, different drone types, and crucial lessons learned regarding tactics, training, technological innovation, and the need for counter-drone capabilities. It highlights the asymmetric advantage drones provide, particularly smaller, inexpensive models, and emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapid technological advancements. Finally, it offers recommendations for the Australian Defence Force to incorporate these lessons into future doctrine, training, and investment strategies.
12 Lessons from the Use of Drones in Warfare
Here are the 12 lessons learned from the use of drones in the war in Ukraine, with one sentence of context:
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Lesson 1: UAS Have Changed the Character of Warfare: Drones are playing a critical role in warfare at both the tactical and operational levels, changing defensive tactics and informing commanders’ decisions.
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Lesson 2: UAS Are Changing the Nature of Military Institutions: The changing ratio of humans to uncrewed systems will require major adjustments to military institutions.
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Lesson 3: Prevalence of Small Drones: Small drones have proven to be extremely important, as they are more difficult to detect and shoot down.
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Lesson 4: UAS Can Save (and Have Saved) Human Lives: Drones displace humans from risky situations and preserve lives by enabling greater persistence in operations.
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Lesson 5: Multi-domain Use of Drones: The use of drones in the air, on land, and at sea has been effective at range, low cost, and with minimal personnel.
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Lesson 6: Counter-Drone Systems: As drones continue to develop, countermeasures are emerging, such as electronic warfare (EW) and targeting ground components.
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Lesson 7: Financial Imperative of UAS Use: Drones are a cost-effective alternative to traditional military systems, maximizing limited resources and creating cost-imposition strategies.
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Lesson 8: Rapid Innovation: Modern warfare requires a constant and fast cycle of innovation to stay ahead of the adversary.
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Lesson 9: Adaptation Battle: The dynamic nature of war requires adaptability in both platforms and tactics to respond to the evolving battlefield.
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Lesson 10: Importance of Training: The effectiveness of drones depends on skilled operators, highlighting the need for robust training programs.
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Lesson 11: Importance of R&D and Investment in Sovereign Capabilities: Continuous research, development, and investment in domestic manufacturing are crucial for maintaining technological superiority.
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Lesson 12: Future Capabilities and Technologies: Advances in areas such as AI, swarming, and autonomy will shape the future of drone warfare.
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in the War in Ukraine: An FAQ
1. How have UAS changed the character of modern warfare?
UAS, particularly low-cost, commercially available models, have democratized air power. They have become essential for real-time intelligence gathering, targeting, and delivering strikes at both tactical and operational levels. The affordability and adaptability of these systems allow even small units to possess significant offensive and defensive capabilities.
2. What role do small drones play in the Ukraine conflict?
Small drones, including commercially available quadcopters like the DJI Mavic, have proven highly effective for reconnaissance, targeting, and even attacks. Their agility, low cost, and ability to be easily weaponized with grenades or other explosives make them valuable assets. Notably, the Ukrainian “Magyar” unit has successfully used these drones to protect troops and gain battlefield awareness.
3. What are FPV drones, and how are they used?
FPV (first-person view) drones, initially popular for racing and filming, have been repurposed for military use. Their high speed and maneuverability, coupled with the operator’s immersive viewpoint, make them challenging to detect and intercept. Ukrainian forces have effectively used FPV drones for precision strikes, directing artillery, and monitoring battlefield conditions, minimizing risk to personnel.
4. What innovations in naval warfare has the Ukraine conflict showcased?
Ukraine has effectively used uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) in the Black Sea, achieving notable successes against the Russian Navy. Notably, the “MAGURA V5” became the first USV to destroy an enemy ship, while the “Sea Baby” has evolved into a multipurpose platform capable of both kamikaze attacks and carrying guided missiles. These developments highlight the growing importance of USVs in naval warfare.
5. How are counter-drone systems evolving?
Countering UAS involves a combination of methods, from shooting them down to disrupting their operation. Electronic warfare (EW) plays a crucial role, but it is also an evolving arms race, with both sides constantly adapting. Strategies involve jamming signals, targeting ground control stations, and developing specialized anti-drone systems, like the “home-on-jam” drones produced by Anduril.
6. Why are UAS considered financially imperative in modern warfare?
UAS offer a high return on investment. They are significantly cheaper than traditional military systems, making them more financially sustainable, especially in prolonged conflicts. The ability to deploy a large number of low-cost drones creates a cost-imposition strategy that can strain an adversary’s resources, as seen in the Ukraine conflict.
7. How is Ukraine investing in sovereign drone capabilities?
Ukraine is rapidly expanding its domestic drone production to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. With over 200 manufacturers currently operating, the country is striving to achieve self-sufficiency in drone technology. This includes developing local production of components and investing in research and development for advanced systems, including AI-enabled drones.
8. What is drone swarming, and what are its implications for future warfare?
Drone swarming involves coordinating multiple drones under the control of a single operator. This technology offers significant advantages in terms of overwhelming defenses, adaptability, and resilience. While still in its early stages, swarming is being tested in Ukraine and is likely to become a key feature of future warfare, potentially leading to a shift in the balance between human personnel and robotic systems on the battlefield.
Molloy, O. (2024). Occasional Paper No 29 - Drones in Modern Warfare: Lessons from the war in Ukraine. Australian Army Research Centre. https://doi.org/10.61451/267513