The war in Ukraine is unlike any war before it. For the first time in the history of armed conflict, the lion's share of battlefield losses both in terms of human lives and equipment is not attributable to the use of artillery, air force, armoured forces, long-range missiles or infantry small arms. Instead, the credit goes to a capability that until recently was considered a niche weapon, but now comes in countless shapes and sizes and monopolises the battlefield. The most improved player in warfare is, of course, the drone. As a first-hand account from the front lines of the development of unmanned systems during the war between Russia and Ukraine, Rise of the Machines traces the rapid rise of this technology as the author recounts his journey from volunteer soldier to advisor to the Ukrainian high command on the use of drone forces. With tanks losing their significance and their effectiveness diminished, a rethink of how modern armed forces wage war is required, and those who are unwilling to accept, embrace and adapt to drone warfare risk being left behind.
Author
Sekirin, Illya
Title
Rise of the Machines
Details
English text, 30 bw-photos, colour maps. 255 pages.
State
new
Subtitle
Drone Warfare in the Russia-Ukraine War. Tactics, Operations, Strategy
