By Annika Burgess
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky (L) speak next to the first batch of Ukrainian made drone missiles ‘Peklo’ delivered to the Defence Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv on 6 December 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Photo: GENYA SAVILOV / AFP
The buzzing sound of drones overhead has become a constant presence in war zones around the world, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East. Once a novelty, drones have evolved into a critical component of modern warfare, reshaping strategies and increasing the risks faced by soldiers and civilians alike.
A Cautionary Sound from the Past
The V1 flying bomb, also known as the buzz bomb, was one of the most feared weapons of World War II. Launched by Nazi Germany, these missiles elicited terror in England, particularly in London. The distinctive, motorbike-like sound gave people about 12 seconds to find shelter before the bombs exploded.
Modern drones echo this haunting sound, reminding us that the threat of aerial attacks remains potent. The weaponry may have advanced, but the psychological impact remains the same.
The Rise of Drones in Modern Warfare
Over the past year, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have highlighted the significant role of drones in contemporary combat. Their use has surged, with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), jam-resistant fiber optics, and robotic dogs entering the battlefield.
In 2024, drones managed to bypass Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome air defense system, causing concern among military analysts. They were also used for surveillance and targeting in Ukraine and Lebanon.
Drone Production on the Rise
Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine had no significant drone manufacturing industry. Today, the country aims to produce 4 million drones annually, a stark contrast to the 300,000 produced in 2023.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in October that Ukraine would produce 1.5 million drones by year-end, a significant leap forward. Russia, too, plans to increase its drone production tenfold, aiming for nearly 1.4 million units in 2024.
Various ground, aerial, and sea drones were experimented with on battlefields in 2024.
Photo: X / Ukraine Ministry of Defence
These increases in production have led to a rise in drone strikes. Ukraine faced nearly 2,576 attacks by Shahed-type kamikaze drones in November alone. Similar attacks have occurred in Israel, with Iran deploying over 185 drones in April.
The Most Dominant Drones of 2024
Drones serve various purposes—reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, terrorizing troops, and direct attacks. Key advancements include FPV drones, fiber optic UAVs, kamikaze boat drones, robotic dogs, and AI-guided drones.
FPV Drones: The Silent Threat
First-person view (FPV) drones have become a significant threat on battlefields. Originally designed for civilian racing, these drones are now used for guided attacks, dropping munitions with precision.
FPVs operate via remote controllers and headsets that provide real-time, front-on views. They can strike from ranges of 5 to over 20 kilometers, making them versatile and deadly tools. Ukrainian soldiers have cited FPVs as their biggest threat.
Pilots wear goggles with a live front-on-view camera feed to steer the drones.
Photo: Supplied / Defence Intelligence of Ukraine/Starlife
Fiber Optic UAVs: An Unjamable Weapon
The fiber optic UAV represents a new development in drone technology. This variation of the FPV drone uses a fiber optic cable to transmit signals, making it resistant to electronic warfare jamming.
Sam Cranny-Evans described the cable-connected design as “unjammable,” noting that it is not susceptible to electronic warfare systems that would otherwise disrupt radio signals.
Kamikaze Boat Drones: The Maritime Threat
Kamikaze drones have been used extensively in maritime conflicts. Iran-backed Hezbollah used aerial kamikaze drones to challenge Israeli air defense systems, while Houthi rebels in Yemen used aerial drones to target ships in the Red Sea.
Dimitris Maniatis, CEO of maritime risk managers MARISKS, noted that these drones offer a sophisticated approach, allowing more precise and distant attacks.
Robotic Dogs and Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
The use of robotic dogs and uncrewed ground vehicles has expanded. These vehicles serve dual purposes—conducting reconnaissance and delivering supplies or evacuating wounded soldiers.
“Such a dog should be in every unit,” says Kurt, one of the unit commanders in the 28th Mechanized Brigade. pic.twitter.com/DZAQTgF6gS
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 14, 2024
Samuel Bendett, an analyst with the Center for a New American Security, highlighted the surge in UGVs and robotic dogs, reporting that several hundred companies are working on these technologies.
AI Drones: The Future Is Here
The integration of AI in drone technology marks a significant step forward. AI-guided drones can operate autonomously, identify targets, and fly into them without needing constant communication from a pilot, making them resistant to signal jamming.
Paul Lushenko, director of special operations at the US Army War College, was skeptical about AI revolutionizing warfare entirely, stating that while AI plays a critical role, full autonomy remains challenging.
The Future of Drone Warfare
While drones have shifted the balance of power on modern battlefields, they have not yet achieved strategic breakthroughs. Instead, they remain tactically effective.
Analyzing trends, Bendett predicted that advancements in AI, greater use of UGVs, and additional innovations could shape 2025.
In the Donetsk region, Ukraine, on December 19, 2024, a soldier from the special aerial reconnaissance unit of the National Police of Ukraine, ‘Khyzhak,’ holds an FPV drone in his hand.
Photo: DMYTRO SMOLIENKO / AFP
What Lies Ahead
The future of drone warfare remains uncertain but promising. As militaries continue to invest in technology, the capabilities and effectiveness of drones will only grow. Innovations in AI, fiber optics, and ground vehicles will further reshape how wars are fought.
For soldiers on the front lines, the constant presence of drones underscores the evolving nature of warfare. The buzz of a drone overhead no longer just elicits fear; it signals readiness and adaptability in the face of modern threats.
We invite you to share your thoughts and predictions for the future of drone warfare in the comments below. Also, consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in military technology.