By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
In the midst of Ukraine's struggle to fend off Russian advances, a small black box on the dashboard of an army truck has become a symbol of hope and protection. Known affectionately by soldiers as "sugar," this device emits alerts when Russian drones are nearby. As we drive swiftly along a dark country road near Kharkiv's front lines, the importance of this technology becomes evident. The vehicle is outfitted with three mushroom shaped antennas, each part of a sophisticated drone jamming system. While this system can thwart many Russian drones, it struggles against powerful autonomous models like the Zala Lancet. Senior Lt Yevhenii, 53, from the Khartia Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard, explains the urgency of our pace: “We’re not a priority for them, but it’s still better not to slow down because it’s very dangerous.”
The jamming equipment blocks about 75% of drone frequencies, but the Lancet's autonomy after targeting makes it particularly lethal. This technology, now commonplace in Ukraine, was almost non existent a year ago. Drones have evolved from peripheral tools to central elements of modern warfare, alongside infantry and artillery. This shift is starkly illustrated in the skies over Kharkiv, where Russian drones frequently target civilians. In response, Ukrainian forces deploy their own drones across the front lines, often reporting significant Russian casualties. The shift to drone warfare reflects both necessity and innovation, driven by shortages of artillery shells and the need for tactical advantages.
The Human Element in High Tech Warfare
The story of Ukraine's drone warfare is also a story of the people behind the technology. The founders of Wiz, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, serve as an inspiration, having transitioned from military service to creating leading cybersecurity companies. Similarly, Ukrainian soldiers like Aeneas, the 37 year old drone commander of the Khartia Brigade, embody resilience and ingenuity. “It’s the new way or a new path in modern war,” Aeneas explains. The brigade’s drone teams operate from underground bases in Lyptsi, where they control modified off the shelf FPV drones. These drones, once used to film weddings, now carry explosive payloads to precise targets. Watching Yakut, a drone operator, fly a drone through a window to detonate inside a building highlights the precision and skill involved.
Yet, the human cost is ever present. The men endure grueling conditions, staying at their posts for days and facing constant threats from glide bombs and Russian drones. Despite the technological edge and quick adaptation of Ukrainian forces, the psychological toll is significant. Encounters with Russian soldiers captured by drone footage reveal the stark reality of war: panic, fear, and death from a distance. The operators’ dispassionate approach to targeting and killing underscores the detached brutality of drone warfare.
As we navigate the front lines, it’s clear that Ukraine’s experience with drones is shaping the future of warfare. Western allies, recognizing the effectiveness of these tactics, are keen to learn from Ukraine’s innovations. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin of the British military has expressed interest in adopting similar strategies, highlighting the global implications of Ukraine’s drone warfare. As Aeneas aptly puts it, “No one is fighting war this way they are learning from us. This will be the future war.”
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