The Drone War Comes Home: What Ukraine’s Success Teaches America

The United States has long been wary of getting too close to a war without clear victory in sight. But when it comes to drone warfare, the country is finally taking notice of the innovative tactics pioneered by Ukraine against Russia’s forces.

For four and a half years, Ukrainian troops have employed drones with devastating effect, using them for reconnaissance, strikes, and electronic warfare. The US military has been slow to replicate these successes, but in Germany this summer, American soldiers engaged in joint drills with their Ukrainian counterparts to learn from the country’s drone expertise.

About a dozen Ukrainian military personnel were embedded with the US 173rd Airborne Brigade during the exercises. Their presence highlights the US Army’s willingness to adapt and adopt technology that could give America an edge on the battlefield. However, the US has been slow to catch up in drone warfare, despite Ukraine’s clear successes.

The country’s military still hasn’t figured out how to incorporate drones into its strategy. Officials struggle to determine whether they’ll simply add more tech to existing infantry units or create new formations tailored to drone warfare. This is precisely what Ukraine did two years ago when it created a separate branch of the armed forces – the Unmanned Systems Forces – dedicated solely to drone operations.

US Army Chief Technology Officer Anthony Miller revealed that during this year’s exercises, roughly 50% of engagements with opposing troops “were drone contact first.” This statistic highlights just how far behind America is in mastering the art of drone warfare. The US Army has a significant number of drones at its disposal – over 1,900 – yet these machines still represent only the latest things that have been learned from Ukrainian efforts.

As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth replaces top leaders who championed the adaptation of drone technology, it’s unclear whether America will continue down this path or revert to traditional ways. The recent disbanding of a specialized drone unit raises questions about the long-term commitment to drone warfare.

Still, there are lessons to be learned from Ukraine’s innovative approach. Rather than trying to mimic their tactics exactly, as some in the US military have suggested, America should focus on understanding how drones can complement its existing military might – and not just rely on them for a few high-profile tasks.

By studying Ukraine’s successes, the US can develop new formations that combine drone warfare with traditional infantry operations. With more resources at their disposal, Ukrainians are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in drone technology – from using drones as artillery spotters to integrating them with artillery and other traditional weapons.

America should strive for similar innovation, but not just follow in Ukraine’s footsteps. The US military needs to think critically about how it can harness the power of drones to revolutionize its approach to combat. The partnership between the US and Ukrainian forces is a promising development that highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from one another’s strengths.

But as America continues to grapple with adapting drone technology, one thing is clear: the war for drone supremacy has only just begun – and it will be fought not just in Ukraine, but on American soil as well. By embracing a more holistic approach that blends traditional military might with cutting-edge technology, the US can finally join the ranks of those pioneering drone warfare – and emerge victorious.