Lecture Notes: The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare

Introduction

• The lecture discusses the use of drones in modern warfare, particularly in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Focus on a video released by the Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigade showing the use of drones against Russian tanks.

Historical Context

• Russian reliance on refurbished T-72B3M tanks, a Cold War-era model.
• Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigade's conventional military tactics (mines, missiles).

Drones in Warfare

• Drones represent a shift in military tactics.
• Ukrainians use small, inexpensive drones to deal with Russian tanks and soldiers.
• Drones help in achieving 'mobility kills' and ensuring the tanks are not salvaged.

Strategic Implications

• Drones provide surveillance and the ability to finish off disabled tanks.
• The Donbas region, especially Marinka, is a critical area in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• The fall of Marinka raised concerns about Russian advancement.

Evolution of Drone Warfare

• Initial reliance on Bayraktar TB2—high-cost, military-grade drones.
• Shift towards using commercial quadcopters due to cost-effectiveness and limited resources.
• Ukraine reportedly acquired 60% of DJI’s Mavic quadcopters, which are affordable and effective for scouting.

Economic and Tactical Advantages

• Kamikaze drones provide an economic advantage: $400 drones can destroy multi-million dollar tanks.
• Use of drones aids in conserving Ukraine’s limited military resources (ammunition, manpower).

Challenges and Countermeasures

• Russia's use of nets and metal cages as anti-drone measures.
• GPS jamming as a countermeasure against drones.
• Drone-on-drone combat has emerged.

Autonomous Drones

• Emergence of autonomous drones with AI for target identification.
• Potential to operate without operator input, minimizing GPS jamming issues.

Future of Drone Warfare

• Companies like Anduril are developing autonomous war systems.
• Autonomous drones could vastly increase the efficiency and reduce the cost of warfare.
• Ethical concerns about AI in warfare, reducing the human cost of decision-making.
• Potential risks of miniaturized drone technology being used by non-state actors.

Conclusion

• Artificial intelligence is central to the next generation of military technology.
• The importance of understanding AI and its applications is highlighted, with resources like Brilliant.org recommended for further learning.