Drones rule the battlefield in Ukraine's ongoing conflict
Dispatching drones and discussing tomorrow
Drones are everywhere on the Ukrainian battlefield, and their numbers are higher than ever before in any war. At a conference in Warsaw, pilots, manufacturers, and politicians gathered to discuss the current state of affairs and consider the future of drone warfare. The significant influence of China in this sector was also explored.
A flood of drones
Estimates vary, but around 10,000 drones are believed to be lost by Ukraine each month (RUSI estimate). Never before has there been such an extensive use of drones in a military conflict.
Learning the ropes quickly
Drones have become an important part of warfare and are evolving quickly. Pilots, manufacturers, and defense experts huddled in Warsaw to discuss the latest developments, focusing mainly on Ukrainian viewpoints. The event was organized by the US Defense Innovation Unit and Brave1, two organizations that facilitate the implementation of commercial innovations in military contexts for both Ukraine and the US (Compiled by CSET).
The appeal of low-cost FPV drones
Quadcopters and multicopters, controlled through first-person view (FPV) cameras, are the drones of choice due to their affordability, ease of operation, and versatility. They are frequently used for reconnaissance, targeting enemy positions, and dropping simple bombs (Politico quoting Tsybenko).
The learning curve
High-end drones like DJI Mavic 3 aren't typically employed for "kamikaze missions," but rather more budget-friendly options, providing enough firepower to take out costly military equipment (Kennan Institute). Learning to operate a drone requires a minimum of five days, with more advanced techniques requiring additional training (Tsybenko).
Teamwork makes the dream work
A typical team might consist of a pilot controlling the drone, an observer maintaining visual contact, a higher-flying drone for overview purposes, and a reconnaissance drone for targeting information. Communication is vital in these teams, often taking place between team members via encrypted messaging or military intelligence systems (CSET).
Drone losses
Drone losses can result from electronic warfare, inexperienced pilots, and friendly fire. EW poses a challenge, with affordable drones lacking protection against jamming transmitters (jammers) and exploding batteries. Friendly fire, however, poses the most significant challenge, often causing half of all drones to be taken down by Ukrainian troops (Kennan Institute): the front becomes a minefield of drones, with differentiating friend from foe difficult.
Rapid and chaotic development
New drone capabilities are constantly emerging, making copters from just three months ago obsolete. While only seven domestic manufacturers existed a year ago, 200 are estimated to be operating today (CSET). Drone development and testing often occur directly on the battlefield, providing vital real-world experience and feedback to manufacturers.
China's hold on the drone market
Based on CSET, Ukraine has allocated 25% of its war budget to drones, but these are high-end systems. DJI, with a market share of around 70%, dominates the global market, offering powerful yet user-friendly drones at competitive prices. Obtaining these drones can be a challenge, often requiring private fundraising campaigns (NYT).
Struggles with trade restrictions and IP protection
US providers express frustration due to bureaucracy, lacking allied standards, and a lack of protection for intellectual property; a process that can take months. DJI is regularly used in Ukraine because obtaining drones can be simpler and faster, but the promise of global marketability is questionable due to a lack of allied standards and inviting the risk of exposed technical secrets.
Dependence on China
Imports and component production for drones are mainly handled by Chinese companies, despite seeking alternatives. One Ukrainian drone entrepreneur tells the New York Times that creating an alternative would be challenging, as China is virtually impossible to replace (NYT).
Drone warfare is significantly impacting the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides employing drones extensively. Low-cost FPV drones have proven effective against Russian equipment, providing battlefield awareness and allowing for interception of Russian communications (Enrichment Data).
