Ukrainian military often use drones due to a lack of other weapons
Western allies, particularly the United States, are studying Russia's experience of war against Ukraine and the role of drones in modern combat operations. According to the article, 80 per cent of Ukrainian strikes are currently carried out using drones.
At the same time, Ukraine's dependence on drones is often dictated not by military doctrine, but by a shortage of other weapon systems. This, it is noted, is important for Western armies that are considering changing the structure of their own forces.
Jakub Jajcay, a former special forces soldier from NATO member Slovakia and a veteran of the fighting in Ukraine, told Business Insider that some of the missions carried out by drones could be performed by other means. He said that in many cases, artillery would be more effective if it were available. He also noted that the military personnel who operated the drones were aware that sometimes the drones were not being used in the best way.
Maj. Rachel Martin, director of the US Army Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course, said that Ukrainians are fighting for survival and using the resources they have. She noted that the US has multi-level military systems that interact on the ground, in the air and in space. In her opinion, the course of the war could have been different if Ukraine had had a military-industrial complex similar to that of the United States at the outset.
Despite expectations of Ukraine's rapid collapse, the country is largely holding back Russia, and drones have become a key element of its limited arsenal.
Martin also stressed that it is important to teach the American military not to use drones in every situation. According to her, drones are a tool for accomplishing tasks, but they are not always the best choice depending on the specific mission.
At the same time, the US, like other NATO countries, is investing in the development of unmanned systems, taking into account Ukraine's experience. It is noted that small drones are capable of destroying expensive equipment, including tanks and air defence systems. According to Martin, a small amount of money can lead to the destruction of an object worth more than $7 million.
Jakub Jajcay acknowledged that drones are useful and that Ukraine is using them effectively. At the same time, he raised the question of whether developed armies, which have more time for planning, should invest so heavily in drone technology, and whether they are the most economical and effective tool for most combat missions.
