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Latest articles and analysis on counter-UAS technology and drone warfare
Russia Air-Lifts Pantsir Missile System Onto Moscow Residential High-Rise
Russia is deploying the Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system, specifically modified for counter-UAS operations, onto civilian high-rise buildings in Moscow. This variant of the Pantsir system prioritizes missile-based interception of small drones and loitering munitions, removing its traditional cannon armament. The deployments are a direct response to successful Ukrainian drone strikes targeting infrastructure and civilian areas within Russia.
Ukraine’s robotic army starts to turn the tide against Ru...
Ukraine is emerging as a leader in drone warfare, specifically utilizing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for offensive operations. The Lava Unmanned Systems Regiment successfully executed a zero-casualty assault on a Russian stronghold using UGVs equipped with explosives and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. This operation highlights a shift towards robotic warfare tactics in the conflict.
Shield AI Raises 1.5B and Wins Air Force Drone Program | TechFastForward
Shield AI secured $2.25B in funding, including a $1.5B Series G round, following its selection for the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The Hivemind platform, chosen for the CCA program, is notable for its ability to operate autonomously in GPS-denied environments. This investment and contract win position Shield AI as a key player in the emerging field of AI-enabled drone warfare.
Indian Strategic Studies: Unpacking Iran’s Drone Campaign in the Gulf: Early Lessons for Future Drone Warfare
Iran's response to Operation Epic Fury demonstrates a shift towards drones as central components of air campaigns, leveraging them for sustained pressure at a low cost. They are employing a layered attack architecture integrating drones with ballistic and cruise missiles. Despite initial C2 damage, Iran has maintained a high operational tempo.
Indian Strategic Studies: Design, Destroy, Dominate. The Mass Drone Warfare as a Potential Military Revolution
The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates a fundamental shift in warfare characterized by the mass employment of drones, representing a military revolution akin to motorization. This 'dronization' involves expendable drone fleets, increased battlefield awareness, and a move towards multi-domain combat. The scale of drone usage is projected to account for 60-70% of all losses in Ukraine by 2025.
Indian Strategic Studies: Responding to President Trump's Recent Executive Orders on Drones
President Trump's Executive Order (EO) “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” aims to bolster the US drone industry and integrate UAS into national airspace, while simultaneously addressing the increasing threat of malicious drone activity. The EO focuses on three pillars: airspace integration, commercialization, and strengthening the domestic industrial base. Recent incidents and a GAO report highlight the challenges in identifying and mitigating drone threats within US airspace.
Indian Strategic Studies: From Culture to System: A Roadmap for Turning Ukraine’s Counterdrone Innovation into a Capability
Russia is employing massed drone attacks, including Shahed-131/136 variants, combined with cruise and ballistic missiles, as a key component of its attritional warfare strategy against Ukraine. Despite innovative Ukrainian counter-drone efforts – including mobile fire groups, electronic warfare, and dedicated interceptor drones – they struggle to maintain an advantage. The attacks aim to overwhelm air defenses, cripple infrastructure, and demoralize the population.
Indian Strategic Studies: Military drones are transforming war — we need a doctrine to use them right
The article highlights the increasing prevalence and evolving role of drones in modern warfare, noting a lack of comprehensive doctrine for their integration across most militaries. Recent attacks on US forces in Iraq/Syria demonstrate the threat posed by even commercially available drones, while nations like Turkey, China, and Iran are rapidly expanding their drone capabilities. The US is shifting focus towards drone defense as it reorients air defenses towards Asia.
Indian Strategic Studies: SMALL DRONES FOR BIG MILITARIES: THE WAY AHEA
The article highlights the increasing importance of small drones in modern warfare, as demonstrated in Ukraine, Gaza, and Russia. It argues that ground forces are currently best positioned to integrate and utilize tactical drone fleets due to their direct exposure to the threat and potential benefits. The authors urge democratic nations to prioritize both counter-drone capabilities and the development of their own drone arsenals.
Indian Strategic Studies: Towards Multilateral Policy on Autonomous Weapon Systems
A new report from Indian Strategic Studies analyzes the stalled multilateral efforts to regulate Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS). The report highlights the lack of progress despite a decade of discussion, primarily due to disagreements on definitions and regulatory approaches. A critical decision point is approaching in 2026 regarding the future of the GGE's mandate.