The Russian army continues to ramp up the use of strike drones, seeking to expand kill zones and restrict the logistical capabilities of Ukrainian forces. At the same time, the Defence Forces are developing means of countering the enemy’s unmanned systems, Air Assault Forces commander Oleh Apostol told a meeting with media representatives.
Apostol noted that Russian troops are actively improving unmanned systems and expanding how they can be used. In particular, the enemy has stepped up the use of Molniya- and Lancet-type drones.
“But we are countering them too,” Apostol stressed.
He said that Ukrainian troops are using various technological solutions to combat strike drones, including interceptor drones and other countermeasures.
In the commander’s view, the technological confrontation between the sides will continue to intensify. The effectiveness of logistics and the resilience of the defence will increasingly depend on troops’ ability to adapt quickly to new threats.
However, despite the rapid development of unmanned systems, infantry remains an essential component of modern combat. It is infantry units that ensure control of territory, hold positions and carry out tasks that cannot be fully delegated to technology. Drones and modern technologies are changing the nature of warfare, but they cannot fully replace service personnel on the front line.
“Without infantry, nobody will be able to do anything: neither sweep the forward edge, nor move, nor hold the line,” Apostol emphasised.
The commander noted that the development of new technologies should, above all, improve infantry soldiers’ effectiveness and survivability. He said modern means of warfare should reduce risks to personnel, make tasks easier to carry out and strengthen units’ capabilities.