Drones and AI Reshape Modern Warfare, Confound Militaries
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Drones have made modern warfare more dangerous for soldiers and changed how military units function on front lines, especially with AI integration. Both Russia and Ukraine appear to be in an "AI arms race".
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AI has been used with drones for intelligence gathering to identify weapons, not yet for strike capabilities. But AI could enable autonomous targeting.
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Tactical surprise and maneuver is extremely difficult due to extensive drone reconnaissance. Militaries struggle with lack of concealment and cover.
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Changes in military doctrine due to drones contributed to failure of Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive, as Russia effectively used drones and artillery.
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Militaries and experts are puzzled by how fundamentals of wartime strategy have shifted. Past Russian, U.S. and NATO military doctrines are now often invalid given realities of drone warfare.