The Use of Drones in the Russian-Ukraine War Has Changed Warfare Forever. The Pentagon Is Taking Notice

Drone warfare isn’t a distant scenario. It’s a current reality. Major nations are increasingly deploying more unmanned systems. For instance, China is showcasing advanced capabilities, such as drone ships that can carry multiple drones, while the U.S. boasts technologies like the RQ-170 Sentinel. Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have highlighted the significant role these drones play in modern warfare. In response, defense departments are updating their strategies to address emerging threats.

In fact, the Pentagon has recently unveiled its new anti-drone strategy, which outlines five key measures to protect against unmanned systems.

Concern is growing. Although military drones have been in use for decades, the war in Ukraine has underscored their significance as the weapons of the moment. Since these drones are non-conventional weaponry, existing defensive systems have struggled to keep up. Both Ukraine and Russia have used kamikaze drones. Other drones can remain dormant for weeks before launching an attack. Unsurprisingly, the Center for Strategic and International Studies concluded in 2023 that drones will be central to the future of aerial warfare.

In light of the increasing prominence of drones, there’s a pressing need for effective defense measures. Plans are underway to integrate laser turrets into vehicles and to develop machine guns powered by artificial intelligence specifically designed to target enemy drones. According to The War Zone, the Pentagon is already prepared with its strategy to counter these unmanned vehicles.

Roadmap. The Department of Defense recently declassified a document outlining its “strategy for countering unmanned systems.” Although this strategy has been in development for some time, the government has now released a summary of the previously classified information. Interestingly, it starts by saying, “The rapid development and proliferation of unmanned systems is changing the character of conflict.”

Initiatives. The program encompasses both short- and long-term strategies, which include the following “strategic ways:”

• Enhance knowledge of trends and threats related to unmanned systems. This involves improving the capability of operational forces to detect, track, and characterize these threats.
• Degrade threat networks of unmanned systems. This means implementing targeted campaigns to counter the networks that promote the development and proliferation of unmanned systems in collaboration with other government agencies.
• Defend unmanned systems that are against to U.S. interests. Establishing active and passive defenses will require clarifying and delegating authority as needed. Additionally, the DOD will institutionalize approaches across doctrine, organization, training, materials, leadership, personnel, facilities, and policy.
• Deliver solutions with greater speed, adaptability, and scale. This includes using rapid acquisition methods, integrating modular solutions, conducting experimentation, and facilitating joint development with close allies.
• Develop and design the future joint force. The department will plan for the future joint force to accommodate unmanned systems-driven modes of warfare. This will involve changes in force structure and the adoption of new technologies to counter adversary advantages.

Resilience. The DOD acknowledges that “tackling these threats will not be easy. But the United States military is unrivaled in our ability to adapt to new challenges, and the Department is moving out on making this strategy’s vision a reality. The character of war is changing, and we will change with it.” The immediate focus is on enhancing defenses to create a resilient system in response to these threats.

The strategy involves integrating detection technologies, such as both active and passive radars, along with kinetic neutralization systems (for example, missiles) and non-kinetic systems (such as electronic weapons). However, the DOD recognizes the need to navigate legal restrictions that limit the use of kinetic and directed-energy weapons at domestic bases.

Tension. In the recent press release, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, “In recent years, adversary unmanned systems have evolved rapidly. These cheap systems are increasingly changing the battlefield, threatening U.S. installations, and wounding or killing our troops.” This situation has created a climate of tension that even affects commercial brands, with companies like DJI being included in the list of Chinese military affiliates.

Moreover, in August, the Pentagon reported it spotted unmanned aerial systems near Plant 42. The site houses top-secret defense projects for companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, and serves as a flight test center for NASA. These projects notably include the B-21 Raider bomber.

Image | Ian Usher

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