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Ukrainian Drones Attack Russian Ground Robots: A Rare Instance of Drone-on-Drone Combat, (from page 20240428.)

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Summary

Ukraine has released footage of its quadcopter drones attacking two Russian grenade-launching robots, marking a rare instance of unmanned systems engaging in combat against each other. The drones, operated by Ukraine’s 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, used first-person view (FPV) technology to drop explosives on the unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) near Avdiivka. This engagement highlights the evolving role of UGVs in the conflict, demonstrating their use for various military purposes, including landmine planting and casualty evacuations. Experts note a significant increase in small combat UGVs in Ukraine, which are vulnerable to drone surveillance and attacks. The incident underscores a shift towards integrating UGVs into battlefield operations, amidst a broader context of drone warfare at sea, where Ukraine employs unmanned surface vehicles against Russian naval forces.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Drone-on-Drone Combat Drones are increasingly engaging each other in combat rather than focusing solely on ground troops. Transition from traditional manned warfare to unmanned systems fighting each other. In 10 years, drone-on-drone combat could redefine battlefield strategies and tactics worldwide. Advancements in drone technology and the need for asymmetric warfare solutions drive this change. 4
Proliferation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) Small combat and logistics UGVs are rapidly emerging on the battlefield in Ukraine. Shifting from traditional combat vehicles to more versatile unmanned ground systems. In a decade, UGVs may dominate ground warfare, leading to new military doctrines and operational strategies. The need for efficiency and safety in combat operations is driving the adoption of UGVs. 5
Asymmetrical Naval Warfare Ukraine uses unmanned surface vehicles to target Russian naval assets, compensating for naval weaknesses. Emergence of asymmetric warfare strategies in naval combat due to technological advancements. In 10 years, unmanned vehicles could become standard in naval warfare, altering fleet compositions globally. Technological advancements and the need to counterbalance adversaries at sea are key motivators. 4
Integration of Drones into Tactical Operations Both sides are developing tactics to effectively integrate UGVs and UAVs into combat operations. From isolated drone operations to integrated drone-centric battlefield tactics. In ten years, battlefield command structures may be heavily influenced by drone integration and operations. The evolution of military strategy towards more automated and unmanned systems is a significant driver. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Rapid Proliferation of UGVs An increase in the use of unmanned ground vehicles in warfare raises concerns about the ease of their replacement and their potential impact on battle dynamics. 4
Drone-on-Drone Combat The emergence of combat between unmanned systems could lead to new tactics that challenge existing military strategies and increase battlefield unpredictability. 3
Asymmetrical Warfare Tactics The shift towards drones and unmanned systems represents a fundamental change in warfare, potentially leading to difficulties in conventional military responses. 4
Vulnerability of UGVs Despite their advantages, small combat UGVs can be easily identified and destroyed, raising questions about their long-term viability in combat scenarios. 4
Impact on Casualty Rates The use of unmanned systems may alter traditional casualty rates and perceptions of warfare, as combat becomes detached from human involvement. 3
Integration Challenges in Military Operations As UGVs become more prevalent, militaries will face challenges in integrating them with traditional forces, which could affect operational effectiveness. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Drone-on-Drone Combat Emergence of combat scenarios where unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) engage directly with unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) instead of traditional combat. 5
Use of First-Person View (FPV) Drones Utilization of FPV drones for carrying explosives and conducting targeted attacks on enemy UGVs, enhancing precision in combat. 4
Proliferation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) Increasing deployment of small combat and logistics UGVs for various battlefield roles, including landmine planting and ammunition delivery. 5
Integration of UGVs in Battlefield Operations Development of new tactics for integrating UGVs into assault and battlefield operations as their presence increases. 4
Asymmetrical Warfare at Sea Use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in naval operations to offset disadvantages in naval capabilities, targeting enemy fleets effectively. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
FPV Drones First-person view drones equipped with explosives, allowing operators to remotely pilot them for targeted strikes. 5
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) Robotic ground vehicles used for various military operations, including logistics and combat support roles. 5
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) Drones designed for naval operations, particularly for attacking maritime targets without manned ships. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Drone-on-Drone Combat The emergence of drones combating each other on the battlefield rather than targeting personnel or armored vehicles. 4
Proliferation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) The rapid increase in the use of small combat and logistics UGVs in military operations. 5
Integration of UGVs in Combat Tactics Development of new tactics for integrating unmanned ground vehicles into battlefield operations by both sides. 5
Asymmetrical Warfare at Sea The use of unmanned surface vehicles to challenge traditional naval capabilities, particularly in the Black Sea. 4
Impact of Drones on Military Strategy Drones are reshaping military strategy and operations across air, ground, and sea domains in modern warfare. 5