Espreso. Global

1,000 days of combat: how robots took over Ukraine-Russia war

18 November, 2024 Monday
11:57

The 1,000-day standoff between Russia and Ukraine has turned into a "robot war," with both sides leaning on drones, automation, and cutting-edge tech to reduce casualties and outmaneuver the enemy

client/title.list_title

Reuters reported the information.

The ongoing struggle between Russia and Ukraine, now reaching its 1,000th day, has transformed into a high-tech "robot war," characterized by the extensive use of drones, automation, and artificial intelligence. Both nations are leveraging technology to reduce human casualties and gain tactical superiority, with drones dominating the skies, land, and sea.  

Ukraine’s defense production sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Over 800 companies have emerged, producing drones, anti-drone systems, and advanced military technologies. This shift came in response to evolving battlefield conditions, particularly after a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023, when Russia’s widespread use of inexpensive aerial drones proved devastating. 

Yuriy Shelmuk, co-founder of a drone signal jammer company, observed how these drones halted Ukrainian assaults: “Concentrated, cheap aerial drones stopped all our assaults.” His company, Unwave, now produces 2,500 jamming systems monthly to counter the threat.

Both sides are on track to manufacture 1.5 million drones this year, with many being small, low-cost, first-person-view models used to identify and attack targets. To adapt, Ukraine has invested heavily in electronic warfare (EW) systems that disrupt drone signals. Manufacturers analyze Russian drone pilots’ frequency patterns to improve jamming effectiveness. However, the challenge persists as Russian operators often switch frequencies to evade disruptions.

As the war drags on, automation has become central to military innovation. Machines now replace soldiers in increasingly dangerous tasks, from operating remote-controlled weaponry to delivering supplies or evacuating the wounded. 

Ostap Flyunt, a Ukrainian military officer, highlighted how this shift minimizes risk: “Combat command is possible to do online from a remote point, reducing the risk of personnel being killed.” This approach aligns with the broader trend toward remote and automated warfare.

Ukraine now boasts over 160 companies producing unmanned ground vehicles, with some already in use at the front lines. Former army officer Hephaestus, for example, has developed automated machine-gun systems operated from a safe distance. These technologies, combined with artificial intelligence, are shaping a new era of conflict, described by Ukrainian arms minister Herman Smetanin as a "war of robots." He emphasized, “It’s about people’s lives; we need to protect them.”

Despite these advancements, Ukraine’s defense sector faces significant challenges. While government investment has increased the industry’s capacity from $1 billion in 2022 to $20 billion in 2024, only half of this output is utilized due to financial constraints. Strict profit caps, limited long-term procurement contracts, and a wartime ban on arms exports further hinder growth. Some companies are considering relocating operations abroad to remain viable. 

Nonetheless, Ukraine hopes its innovative defense industry will not only support the war effort but also lay the foundation for economic recovery after the conflict. By embracing advanced technologies, the country is striving to turn the tide of the war and protect its soldiers while preparing for a more secure future.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
5 February
15:00
OPINION
Ukraine needs elections, but war makes them impossible
14:43
21 Russian servicemen surrender to Ukrainian forces in Kursk region
14:26
UK Foreign Secretary Lammy visits Kyiv, announces $68M aid package for Ukraine
14:08
Exclusive
Ukraine's Khmelnytskyi risks halting energy security project without USAID funding — deputy mayor
13:50
OPINION
Does Trump have plan?
13:29
IAEA halts mission rotation at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant over Russian security risks
13:12
Putin only wants Ukraine’s next president to be anti-West — Zelenskyy
13:00
Updated
Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s Izyum kills 5, injures 59
12:56
Ukraine's Defense Ministry deploys robotic units in military brigades
12:48
Updated
Ukrainian forces target oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, fire breaks out
12:37
Exclusive
Ukraine targets 30 Russian facilities in January — military expert Zgurets
12:15
OPINION
Exchanging Ukraine’s rare earth metals for U.S. military aid is solid deal. Column by Vitaly Portnikov
11:54
Russian conscription fails to offset battlefield losses — ISW
11:32
Review
Ukraine’s military reform: key goals, objectives. Serhiy Zgurets’ column
11:09
Ukrainian forces repel 35 Russian attacks near Pokrovsk, 12 in Kursk region on Feb. 4
10:31
Exclusive
Russia likely increases Shahed drone warhead to 90kg — Kharkiv official
10:13
Over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in war with Russia — Zelenskyy
09:55
Russia loses 1,140 soldiers, 52 artillery systems, 9 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
4 February
21:45
Gimli robotic complex joins Ukraine's army, aiding in evacuation and resupply
21:30
Exclusive
When could Ukraine hold elections after the war? Lawyer explains
21:12
Ryanair plans to resume flights to Lviv, Kyiv 4-6 weeks after war ends
20:57
Black Sea tankers wreck: IMO holds Russia responsible
20:40
"Don't let them drain resources": military commander reacts to Trump
20:23
Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology, Ukrainian NAUDI agree to cooperate
20:07
Exclusive
USAID funding freeze: Expert Riabtsev on potential risks for Ukraine’s energy sector
19:51
Exclusive
Trump's proposal to get rare metals from Ukraine is political move – analyst
19:35
"We are open to U.S. investments": Zelenskyy responds to Trump's statement on rare earth elements
19:08
Ukraine to introduce mandatory psychological aid training for doctors – First Lady
18:50
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces may have to withdraw from Chasiv Yar – military analyst
18:33
Von der Leyen urges EU to find "most creative way" to use Russian assets for Ukraine
18:15
Exclusive
Western weapons can now strike deep into Russia, but new problem emerges
17:54
U.S., Ukraine did not discuss elections before 2025 — Ambassador Markarova
17:34
Updated
"The situation is critical": IAEA chief visits key substations vital for Ukraine's nuclear power plants
17:14
Russian national hockey team banned from 2026 World Championship
16:55
Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze
16:33
Support for military aid to Ukraine declines in Poland
16:15
Russia equips Gerbera foam drones with warheads
15:56
Ukraine’s parliament approves defense loan agreement with UK
15:32
Ukrainian troops release GoPro footage of repelling Russian assault, eliminating two squads
15:14
OPINION
Ukraine’s power sector withstands winter challenges, but risks remain
More news