Drones and robotics should be embraced as a significant aspect of modern warfare, Ukrainian soldiers advised their Israeli counterparts, explaining that the systems provide solutions to many battlefield challenges that could be faced by the Jewish state.
A Ukrainian Jewish reconnaissance drone operator, who had worked in several different military disciplines before the role, said that “the future of war is drones.”
The operator contended that drones can replace infantry, logistics vehicles, artillery, reconnaissance planes, and even snipers.
A bullet can’t be controlled after being fired, argued the soldier, making a drone more precise than a sniper’s rifle.
Drones are cost-effective, costing $500 to $1000 to disable or destroy a tank, and don’t require a lot of resources to maintain.
Another Jewish soldier said in combat, one warfighter could defeat many opponents with drones, making the systems a force multiplier.
Constantly fielding drones was also a defense against enemy unmanned aerial vehicle activity, he said, allowing forces to detect their approach.
Senior officer: Robots only way to approach dense urban fighting and tunnels
A senior officer suggested that robots were the only way to approach dense urban fighting and tunnels like Israeli forces encountered in Gaza. The alternative to such platforms, sending in men, would result in too many casualties. In general, he viewed the systems as a substitute not only for personnel but also as a universal answer to many battlefield problems.
Ukraine was developing new defensive systems against drones like Israel, he said, and predicted that jamming systems and electronic warfare would grow in importance. Closer to the front lines, jamming devices can be seen on nearly every military vehicle, even on anti-aircraft gun emplacements.
According to a mid-level logistics officer, drones had begun to play a role in delivering supplies and equipment to dangerous areas. Frontline deliveries were made by foot, light vehicles, robots, and drones, as large vehicles were either too big a target and conspicuous, or unable to cross war-ravaged terrain.
By foot, a seven-kilometer trek to deliver supplies could be a 1-3 day journey. In extreme situations, if forces are surrounded, drones could be used to provide ammunition and food.
An officer said that if one wanted peace, they had to prepare for war. Both Israel and Ukraine had learned that no state could pay or trust another country to ensure their protection.