KYIV: The battlefield in Ukraine is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the emergence of Ukraine’s drone army. Swarms of inexpensive, improvised attack drones are reshaping the balance of power against Russia’s larger army, blurring the line between consumer electronics and weapons, and fundamentally reshaping the balance between humans and technology in war.
These drones, known as first-person view (FPV) drones, were not in their current form at the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Based on consumer racing quadcopters, they boast impressive capabilities, reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. Their nimbleness and small size allow them to duck into bunkers built from off-the-shelf components and evade conventional defenses, making them ideal for carrying explosive payloads and striking targets with precision.
Soldiers can hide from conventional artillery bombardments underground in trenches. However, these drones have the capability to loiter near their targets, posing a persistent threat that conventional artillery struggles to match. The psychological impact of their presence can be devastating, instilling fear and uncertainty among adversaries.
Recognizing the significance of this emerging technology, President Volodymyr Zelensky has established a new branch of the armed forces dedicated to drone warfare. He has set ambitious goals, aiming to produce a million FPV drones by 2024.
However, despite their effectiveness, these drones are not without limitations. Electronic interference and radio jamming systems can disrupt their connection to operators, rendering them ineffective. Moreover, Russia has also ramped up production of similar drones, posing a challenge for Ukrainian forces.
The proliferation of cheap drones is fundamentally altering the nature of warfare in Ukraine, offering a cost-effective means of delivering accurate firepower.
