FPV drones are revolutionizing the battlefield, challenging the dominance of main battle tanks like never before. These cheap, agile, and deadly loitering munitions are forcing tanks into retreat, making frontal assaults nearly impossible. Ukraine produces up to 3 million drones annually, potentially redefining modern conflicts. Tank tactics are evolving as kamikaze drones easily penetrate weak top armor, evade jamming, and overwhelm even advanced tanks, raising questions about the survivability of heavy armor in warfare. FPV drones, originating from competitive racing hobby drones, have transformed the battlefield, with operators remaining in rear positions to avoid ground fire.
The article discusses the potential obsolescence of tanks in modern warfare due to the effectiveness of drones, as highlighted by a Ukrainian MBT destroyed by Russian drones during operations in Kharkiv in 2024. The German Leopard 2 main battle tank is specifically mentioned as equipment that may not be faring well in the Ukraine-Russia war against uncrewed swarming tactics.
NATO faces the question of whether drones can replace traditional weapons like tanks and artillery in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. Some experts caution against relying heavily on drones, as Russia possesses strong counter-UAS capabilities. Ukrainian drones have had mixed success in the conflict, dominating the battlefield but not stopping Russian advances. Ukraine is seeking legacy weapons like guided artillery shells and anti-tank guided missiles to counter Russian offensives. Experts suggest using drones to augment existing strengths, such as precision strike capabilities, rather than solely relying on them for lethality.
During the three-year war in Ukraine, drones have significantly impacted combat operations, with Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drones proving to be a deadly weapon. The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) transitioned to a drone-led military, utilizing Chinese Mavic drones and domestically produced drones to enhance battlefield lethality. By 2024, Ukraine’s drone production had skyrocketed, with an estimated 2.5 million units manufactured annually. Ukrainian drone tactics have evolved, integrating video feeds into data centers and focusing on drone availability for battle strategies. Drones have been instrumental in causing significant damage to Russian forces, with up to 80-90% of combat injuries attributed to drone attacks. The electronic battlefield has also seen advancements, with drones equipped with fiber-optic links to counter detection and jamming threats.
The paradigm shift brought by FPV drones in warfare is undeniable. As tanks face obsolescence in the face of this new technology, the implications are profound. Nations reliant on traditional heavy armor are vulnerable to the swarm tactics enabled by drones, reshaping the very landscape of modern warfare. The control over the battlefield now lies not only in firepower but in the manipulation of information and precision strikes. The true power brokers are those who control the skies with drones, dictating the course of conflicts with unparalleled efficiency and lethality.
The intent behind the rapid development and deployment of FPV drones is clear: to disrupt the traditional balance of power on the battlefield. The means, a calculated shift towards unmanned systems, have allowed for a more agile and cost-effective approach to warfare. The opportunity presented by the vulnerabilities of heavy armor has been seized upon, paving the way for a new era where control is not determined by sheer force but by technological superiority. The actors driving this agenda seek to establish dominance through asymmetrical warfare, positioning themselves as the arbiters of conflict in a world where traditional tank warfare is rendered obsolete.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of warfare seems destined to be guided by the relentless march of technology. As FPV drones continue to evolve and proliferate, the balance of power will tilt further towards those who master this new domain. The era of tanks may be waning, but the rise of drones heralds a future where control is not just about firepower but about information, precision, and adaptability. The stakes are high, and those who fail to grasp the implications of this shift risk being left behind in a world where the skies themselves are the new battlefield.
