Drones have a history that spans centuries. From early concepts like Chinese fire kites to the Austrian military’s use of explosive balloons in 1849, the idea of unmanned aerial vehicles has long fascinated military strategists. Fast-forward to modern conflicts, drones have played crucial roles in Vietnam, the Kosovo war, Afghanistan, Iraq, and, more recently, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.
Yet, the Russia-Ukraine war marks a pivotal moment, pushing drone warfare to new heights.
A Battlefield Dominated by Defence Drones
Drones have been used in conflicts before, but the extent of their use in Ukraine's confrontation with Russia is unprecedented. Given the enormous number of drones used in warfare, estimates indicate Ukraine loses up to 10,000 of them every month.
Drones have become essential tools for observation, targeting, and direct strikes as traditional manned aircraft have been rendered ineffective by aerial defence systems. The lessons from this conflict highlight how drones have reshaped the battlefield.
Diverse Defence Drone Systems in Use
The range of drones used in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is astounding. These range from microdrones, like the Black Hornet with its 12-centimeter wingspan, to large systems exceeding 15 meters. Smaller quadcopters, often produced by companies like DJI, have become commonplace. These commercially available drones are modified for military applications, such as surveillance and even light bombing.
On the offensive side, armed drones like the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 or Russia’s Orion carry precision-guided missiles capable of destroying ground targets. Single-use loitering munitions—dubbed "kamikaze drones"—are particularly prominent.
These drones, which are frequently employed by Russia and, more lately, by Ukrainian strikes on Moscow, hover over targets before crashing in for impact.
Tactical Roles of Defence Drones
Drones have become multifunctional tools in the conflict, supporting both offensive and defensive operations. Their main applications include:
Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Equipped with cameras and sensors, drones provide real-time intelligence on enemy positions, troop movements, and fortifications. This data allows forces to plan strategies and execute precision strikes.
Propaganda and Documentation: Drones have captured the destruction of cities, flooding caused by the Kakhovka dam breach, and Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships and tanks. These pictures have two functions: they guide military strategy and, through propaganda, they mobilise civilian support.
Strike Coordination: Armed drones, like the TB2, have been crucial in targeting convoys, ships, and other high-value assets. Drones from Ukraine broke up a Russian convoy that was moving towards Kyiv early in the war. Drone-gathered intelligence has also been used to devastatingly accurately guide artillery strikes.
Civilian Drones on the Frontline
One of the most remarkable aspects of this conflict is the extensive use of civilian drones. Originally designed for commercial or hobbyist purposes, these drones have been repurposed for military use. They are affordable, widely available, and easy to operate, making them ideal for Ukraine’s resource-constrained forces. While not built to endure battlefield conditions, their low cost makes them disposable.
Chinese manufacturer DJI has been a key player, with its Mavic drones among the most sought-after systems. Despite suspending operations in Ukraine and Russia, DJI drones continue to dominate the battlefield, supplied through donations and public crowdfunding campaigns.
Emerging Role of Naval Drones
Drones are not limited to the skies. Ukraine has also leveraged maritime drones to strike Russian naval assets. Last autumn, unmanned surface vessels targeted the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, and more recently, naval drones damaged a Russian landing ship and fuel tanker. These developments underscore the expanding scope of drone warfare, including underwater and surface-based applications.
ConclusionThe Russia-Ukraine conflict has ushered in a new era of military conflict—the Drone Age. These versatile, cost-effective, and innovative tools have reshaped battlefield dynamics, offering lessons for future warfare.
As the war evolves, so too will the role of drones. Whether in surveillance, precision strikes, or naval operations, their impact is undeniable. The Drone Age is here, redefining modern conflict and setting the stage for the future of warfare.
