Indian Strategic Studies: Full Speed Ahead: Integrating Kinetic Drones into the Combined-Arms Battalion
AI Analysis
The article discusses the significant impact of kinetic drones (KDs) in the Russo-Ukrainian War, highlighting their effectiveness in damaging vehicles compared to traditional weapon systems. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. Army to integrate KDs into combined-arms battalions to prepare for future conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Kinetic drones accounted for 42.47% of combat-damaged vehicles in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
- Artillery and armored fighting vehicle main guns were less effective, with 24.28% and 1.09% respectively.
- The U.S. Army is urged to lead in integrating KDs at scale.
- The article uses historical military transitions as analogies for current drone integration.
- Recommendations are provided for integrating KDs into combined-arms battalions.
Why It Matters
The strategic significance lies in the demonstrated effectiveness of kinetic drones in modern warfare, which necessitates a shift in military tactics and procurement strategies. Integrating KDs into the U.S. Army's operations could enhance combat effectiveness and readiness for future conflicts, ensuring technological and tactical superiority.
Indian Strategic Studies: Full Speed Ahead: Integrating Kinetic Drones into the Combined-Arms Battalion
Lieutenant Colonel Michael B. Kim, USA
Introduction
Kinetic drone (KD) strikes (dropped or loitering munitions), as observed in open-source media, have hit more vehicles than any other type of weapon system in the Russo-Ukrainian War. [[1]] The National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), which collates this data from open-source feeds, states that from 24 February 2022 to 31 July 2024, KD strikes accounted for 42.47 percent of all combat damaged vehicles where the weapon could be identified, followed by artillery at 24.28 percent; armored fighting vehicle main gun/cannon accounted for only 1.09 percent of vehicle hits. [[2]] The dawn of tactical drone warfare is here. Keen observers during the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) foresaw the advent of trench warfare that would come to fruition a mere decade later in World War I. The Russo-Ukrainian War clearly displays the advent of KD warfare, and it behooves the U.S. Army to make critical changes today. The U.S. Army must lead this effort and integrate tactical KDs at scale before the next major conflict. This paper serves to use the Japanese Navy’s transition from the battleship to the aircraft carrier (in the Kidō Butai) as an analogical case study; to consider current drone technologies, capabilities and usage (primarily in Ukraine); and to provide recommendations for the integration of KDs into the combined-arms battalion (CAB).