The war in Ukraine has redefined many modern warfare tactics. Ukraine has shown that it won’t let the fact that it is outnumbered by Russia dictate who excels in modern combat. The nation has looked to innovation over sheer power and has inflicted an incredible amount of casualties on Russia’s military.
In the last three years, it is estimated that the death toll is anywhere between 250,000 and 750,000, according to both the UK Ministry of Defence and BBC News reporting. The staggering figures would not have been possible without Ukraine leveraging clever strategies and tactics.
Drone Warfare
Both Ukraine and Russia have employed drones in mass for surveillance and assaults. This year, Ukraine managed to develop up to 200,000 drones per month.
The drones are relatively cheap to manufacture and have been the leading cause of Russian and Ukrainian casualties, making up to 70% of them.
A Defensive Line
While many of the produced drones are utilized in offensive strikes that eliminate key adversary assets, Ukraine has also leveraged drones to form a defensive line, with form a 15 kilometer long kill zone on the front lines.
These drones target russian personnel and vehicles that try to break this defensive line. Ukraine is evolving their tactics quickly as Russia tries to adapt to their strategies.
Trench Warfare
Trench warfare was prevalent in the first and second World Wars, but in many conflicts since have been largely abandoned as warfare evolved. However, trenches have now become and important part of Ukraine’s defenses.
These trenches can form vast networks were Ukrainian troops can withstand artillery and drone barrages. Artillery strikes have to be much more accurate in order to destroy these trenches, which has slowed the advancement of Russia’s army.
Close Combat
While many conflicts have been dominated by armored vehicles, Ukraine has adopted infantry tactics in order to clear Russian trenches where vehicles would prove ineffective.
This often results in close-quarters combat that has not been a popular tactic since World War I. Armored vehicles are prone to getting stuck and being vulnerable to anti-armor weapons like mines and drones.
Electronic Warfare
A crucial aspect of warfare in Ukraine has been countering Russian jamming. Ukrainian troops have been using frequency-hopping radios, encrypted communications, and satellite links.
While both sides use this technology to counter each other’s tactics, Ukraine is leveraging Western technology, which has helped the military stay robust and adaptable.
AI And Robotics
As the war evolves and cutting-edge technology becomes more prevalent, Ukraine has integrated unmanned systems that use AI, like ground robots and semi-autonomous drones.
These systems mean that the risk to Ukrainian troops is lowered substantially. December 2024 saw the first-ever unmanned assault on the battlefield, with Ukraine using robotic vehicles and kamikaze drones to assault Russian positions.
Precision Strikes
Ukraine’s drones and long-range missiles have allowed the military to strike far beyond front lines and target important military assets, including airbases, logistics hubs, and oil refineries.
Just a month ago, Operation Spiderweb disabled or destroyed 41 Russian aircraft in one swift drone strike. This operation racked up billions in losses for the Russian military and crippled key targets.
Casualties
The overall adoption of modern warfare tactics and strategies has meant that the Russian side has suffered heavy casualties. In just 2024, at least 45,000 Russian soldiers were killed in action, with estimates from 2022 until present being nearly one million killed and wounded.
Russian forces have to work hard for every inch of territory claimed, and the exchange of casualties is severe.
Countermeasures
Drones have become such a deadly weapon against the Russian military that the nation has tried desperately to adapt through the use of jammers and armored “cope cages.”
However, these countermeasures are often short-lived as Ukraine evolves its drones further. An example is their integration of fiber-optic technology in drones, making them immune to Russian jamming efforts.
More Than Just Casualties
Ukraine’s substantial amount of casualties inflicted and evolution of tactics to outmaneuver Russia’s offences has led to more than defeats, but an overall impact on morale and resources. Russia has entered a war of attrition with Ukraine that won’t be won easily.
The constant threat of drone assaults, trench raids, and precision strikes deep in Russian territory has a psychological impact on troops all around the nation.
The Evolution Of Modern Warfare
Ukraine has showcased an amazing ability to adapt both antiquated and cutting-edge strategies to change the conceptions of modern warfare.
While the nation has the disadvantage when it comes to numbers and resources, the world has been watching the rulebook on combat get rewritten.
