Ukraine vs Russia War - Some Lessons
The New Era of Warfare - Drone Dominance
Seems like we’re probably at the midpoint of the War in Ukraine so it’s probably time to look back and see what we can learn. Since I did a series on how the war started it’s only right I give you guys an update. It’s currently 4/20 and I have no weed, shame.
This map is from 2 weeks into the invasion Russia pushed north from Crimea west from the Donbas and are moving south on the east and west of the Dnipro River simultaneously to attack Kiev.
Using maps from the French because they have the best updated maps in the game right now. The parts in striped red a the territory gains of Russia but they suffered huge loses to get to this point. They are fighting to get to Kiev but have been stopped, they have a long convoy that is not moving, they have made good gains in the south. Most people thought they would steamroll through Ukraine like the Nazi’s did to France but this is not the case at all. Ukraine is putting up a huge fight… What are the mistakes Russia is making?
1) Air cover
Russian forces are getting hit by drones and some drones are also acting as spotters for Ukrainian artillery. Back in the day you would need someone on the ground that is looking at where the artillery is hitting and guide the people shooting with a radio.
Nowadays you can just use a cheap drone for that function and don’t have to put a human life at risk. What that means is that as soon as you’re in range of enemy artillery, anything in the sky that spots you in a potential threat to your life.
What can you do to avoid drones?
Well, you’re going to have to integrate air defense into almost every unit in your military. Air defense units are usually separate components in a military.. This war shows us that this should not be the case. Everything that’s moving on the ground needs independent air cover. You can launch a cheap drone from almost anywhere and any unit that spots it should have the capability to take it down.
Everyone needs to be moving with short range air defense vehicles actively searching the sky.
Having a SHORAD probably wont be enough. It might run out of munitions or need repairs. You’re probably going to need guys with Man portable air-defense systems (MANPAD) moving with you who’s sole job is keeping the skies clear.
There are also drone guns but those things take up space, are probably heavy and I have no clue how actually effective they are. They might be good on paper, but wars aren’t fought on paper, things need to be tested in combat.
2) Poorly trained units
You can have the best equipment in the world and the best strategy.. None of that can save you if you’re poorly trained. I’ve seen tons of videos of Russian forces taking fire and getting ambushed and they have no idea what to do. I’m not saying Russia doesn’t have some elite troops but the untrained guys are only a burden to the real deal warfighters. This isn’t 1200 AD. Plus having the Ukrainians stack bodies only boosts their confidence and attracts more mercenaries to their side. Also, having a high death count doesn’t help politics at home at all especially against a minor force.
3) Not using drones of their own to cover for their armored forces.
Their armored vehicles are getting ambushed by Ukrainian units with Javelins and even other tanks that are prepositioned for an ambush. Having drones to spot these things a few minutes before they happen would be ideal. Even if your drone gets destroyed it would be a trip wire to be on alert.
