Ukraine, Russia to enter new round of scientific and tech revolution on battlefield in 2025 – Ukrainian officer

The commander insists on reforms under all circumstances, warning that without change, Ukraine could fade from the world map.

Ground-based robotic unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will become as widespread as current UAVs, while UAVs themselves will feature enhanced machine vision, and FPVs will be equipped with homing capabilities, believes Andriy Biletskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Third Separate Assault Brigade.

Such advancements will necessitate significant structural and staffing changes within the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The widespread integration of robotic and unmanned systems will reduce the reliance on infantry and alleviate the strain placed on them during operations. This shift is likely to reshape military strategies and operational dynamics, as more automated systems take over roles traditionally filled by personnel.

 Some changes are already in progress, particularly within the military. The Third Separate Assault Brigade has tested most of the new implementations and continues to undergo reforms.

One of these steps is recruiting based on the needs of the role, along with providing intensive combat training for newcomers and ongoing professional development for those already in the brigade.

Another step is to create a noncommissioned officer corps based on the Western model. “The sergeant is not a secondary role after officers, but a parallel important branch. Professional training and education of sergeants is a vital need for the army today, because sergeants are its backbone,” Biletskyi said.

Reforms also focused on staff culture, which needed particular changes. Since work at headquarters demands both intelligence and motivation, specialists are selected through IQ and psychological tests. Staff officers are trained in the MDMP (military decision-making process) protocol and are sent to the troops with everything ready.

The commander will also focus on team integrity, emphasizing a strict ban on splitting teams. Commanders must fight alongside their own units, not with a mix of different parts from various units. This approach will lead to a shift toward larger operational and tactical structures — divisions and corps — in the future. This is expected to enhance combat coordination, both in specific areas of the front and along its entire length.

The massive introduction of ground robotic systems and staff structures for them was also tested. This is because it expands the striking and surveillance capabilities of combat units.

Andriy Biletskyi pointed out the importance of establishing stationary UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) posts connected to the positions, enabling units to understand their terrain, radio horizon, and Russian electronic warfare tactics. This will allow them to hold off the Russian army and deal maximum damage in their areas.

The brigadier also pointed out the importance of cutting taxes on defense production and allowing for exports: "Private businesses are outpacing state-run companies and making the most successful defense products, like the 'Bohdan' cannon, 'Neptun' missiles, and various electronic warfare systems that often surpass or match Western ones. Not to mention the wide range of unmanned systems, from drones to ground-based ones. Companies should only have one rule — orders from the state and brigades. If products are made, paid for, and delivered on time, and the manufacturer can do more, they should be allowed to sell to friendly and neutral countries, even during the war. This helps businesses produce more and have enough capital to stay competitive in a fast-moving market."

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