From tanks to drones: Ukraine's drone war is redefining Germany's battlefield strategy | Euronews
AI Analysis
Ukrainian drone warfare experts are critiquing Germany's continued focus on traditional armored warfare (tanks) despite the demonstrated dominance of drones in the conflict. They argue Germany's approach is outdated and insufficient, emphasizing the need for mass production and operator training for drones, specifically FPV kamikaze drones. Germany is attempting modernization with a 'Zeitenwende' including both tanks and drones, but Ukrainian officers believe the pace and prioritization are inadequate.
Key Takeaways
- Ukrainian 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment "RAID" officers are critical of Germany's military modernization strategy.
- Ukrainian forces report limited battlefield encounters with tanks, highlighting the prevalence of drone warfare.
- Germany is planning to deliver 123 Leopard 2A8 tanks to battletank brigade 45 in Lithuania by 2027, alongside 'several thousand' attack drones.
- Ukrainian officers advocate for a drone-centric approach, requesting 'as many FPV kamikaze drones as bullets'.
- Concerns are raised regarding the German military's understanding and implementation of effective drone warfare doctrine.
Why It Matters
This highlights a critical disconnect between established military powers and the realities of modern warfare as demonstrated in Ukraine. Germany's investment in tanks alongside drones suggests a transitional approach, but the Ukrainian perspective underscores the urgency of prioritizing drone capabilities and adapting doctrine accordingly. This could influence defense procurement and training strategies across Europe.
From tanks to drones: Ukraine's drone war is redefining Germany's battlefield strategy | Euronews
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By  Johanna Urbancik &  Franziska Müller
Published on 26/05/2026 - 7:00 GMT+2
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Ukrainian drone commanders fighting on the front line say modern warfare has changed faster than Europe's armies can adapt. As Germany races to rearm, Kyiv's soldiers argue the future of war will be decided not just by tanks – but by drones, mass production and trained operators.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has radically reshaped modern warfare. "In the past year, I've seen one tank on the battlefield," said Corporal Dmytro Zhluktenko, who is responsible for analysing combat lessons within the 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment "RAID" of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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"When you speak with the German military, they say: you need these tanks because they are the most important thing in war. We don't think so, as warfare has changed so much since 2022, to the extent that old approaches will not work. Drones can be bought at the last moment, as the technology is continuously changing," Zhluktenko said during a press briefing organised by the German-Ukrainian Bureau in Berlin.
"I would say that this is a question of approach and doctrine. Some of the approaches to warfare – we think – are a bit outdated."
Has Germany adapted to modern warfare?
Over the past four years, Russia's all out war against Ukraine has forced a so-called Zeitenwende or turning point in Germany, with Berlin ramping up defence spending in a bid to rapidly rebuild the Bundeswehr, both in manpower and military hardware.
That push includes traditional heavy weaponry such as battle tanks. By 2027, for example, the battletank brigade 45 in Lithuania is due to receive 123 Leopard 2A8 tanks, alongside several thousand attack drones.
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A move in the right direction, but still far from enough, according to four Ukrainian drone officers from the 413th Regiment "RAID" of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces.
"I saw too many problems in the German army as speaking about drones," said Captain Oleksandr Voitko, the unit's deputy Commander.
Voitko added that armies need "as many FPV kamikaze drones as bullets."
"Bullets are