The Effectiveness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Military Operations: The Russian-Ukrainian War as a Model

Abstract

Modern technology has brought about significant developments in the military field, impacting combat environments and leading to changes—both present and future—in combat doctrines and the nature of warfare. Among these advancements are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), whose importance has grown as they have proven to be effective, multi-mission weapons in tactical, offensive, and operational contexts. Most countries have sought to acquire, develop, and deploy them in warfare due to their ability to deliver precise, targeted strikes. Some UAVs are equipped with advanced combat specifications and artificial intelligence, enabling them to independently perform military tasks such as analysis and execution without human intervention. In addition, they offer reduced human and material costs, save time, and operate with high speed. The Russia–Ukraine war represents a hybrid form of warfare in which both conventional and non-conventional weapons have been used. Among the non-conventional weapons, UAVs have been widely employed and have played a key role in balancing the military equation in Ukraine’s favor, despite Russia’s superiority in conventional weaponry. In response, Russia also integrated UAVs into its combat operations against Ukraine. Both sides have since inflicted significant and precise strikes on strategic targets in the ongoing war of attrition