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

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.