Title
Analysis of the power of drones and limitations of the anti-drone solutions on the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield
Authors
[ 1 ] Independent researcher
Year of publication
2025
Published in
Article type
scientific article
Publication language
english
Keywords
EN
- Drones
- Geopolitics
- International security
- Russian aggression against Ukraine (2022)
PL
- Agresja rosyjska na Ukrainę (2022)
- Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe
- Bezzałogowe statki powietrzne
- Geopolityka
Abstract
EN The recent and rapid growth of low-cost, sophisticated drones, along with the associated technological challenges, is a notable feature of warfare tactics. As the Russians and Ukrainians become more dependent on these cost-effective yet crude drones, they establish a new battlefield characterised by high efficacy and low cost. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces launch drones to target each other. Drones locate their targets, perhaps with low efficacy, but they can cause significant destruction. Drones can destroy and carbonise tanks, which cost about $4 million each. However, the unit price of drones does not exceed $1,000. The limitations and ineffectiveness of most anti-drone devices currently on the market, including lasers, high-power microwaves, and radio frequency jammers, are evident in the increasing ubiquity of drones. This case study suggests that current counter-drone technologies are unable to neutralise kamikaze and weaponised drones on both sides. As a result of these failures, Russian and Ukrainian forces employ new technologies, such as metal grids and nylon net barriers, which are effective in destroying and stopping drones to some extent. This article presents a case study involving the reliance on drones by both warring sides, who have also been utilising anti-drone tactics since February 2022. The work investigates the solutions currently available to both adversaries for reducing the impact of weaponised drones on the battlefield. This study evaluates them and demonstrates how their inherent drawbacks could motivate the development of new strategies and countermeasures against armed drones.
Pages (from - to)
38 - 73
Comments
Corresponding author Mohamed Zied Chaari FAB-LAB, QATAR SCIENTIFIC CLUB, WHOLESALE STREET, Qatar Scientific Club, 9769, doha, Qatar
License type
CC BY (attribution alone)
Open Access Mode
open journal
Open Access Text Version
final published version
Release date
30.06.2025
Full text of article
Access level to full text
public
Ministry points / journal
70
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