164 robotic strikes replaced 2,300 fighters: CNN showed how Ukraine is waging a networked drone war
Underground control centers direct ground drones that deliver ammunition, evacuate the wounded, and force Russian units to change positions
The war in Ukraine is entering a phase of widespread use of robots, drones and remotely controlled platforms: Ukrainian units are carrying out more and more tasks without the direct involvement of infantry, CNN reports.
During such operations, crews operate from underground control posts tens of kilometers from the front line, coordinating strikes and maneuvers in real time, while infantry does not go out into the open.
The piece notes that one episode looked like this: at first there was a characteristic whistle, a cloud of dust rose, after a short pause the camera images cleared up, and then a powerful explosion rang out.
Commanders emphasize that assaults which would previously have cost significant personnel losses are now carried out without such risks. In the “NC13” unit of the Third Assault Brigade they calculated that the effect of 164 robotic attacks is comparable to the actions of approximately 2300 soldiers.
Russian units are changing their positions and bypassing areas where ground drones and remotely controlled platforms may be used, trying to avoid being hit.
Besides strike missions, Ukrainian robots handle logistics: they bring ammunition, deliver water and take part in evacuating the wounded, and some platforms can remain undetected in ambush for several days.
“Back then the war was more of a man’s affair. Now technology decides everything. There is no way back,” said commander Mykola (Makar) Zinkevych.
Operators emphasize that the advantage is determined not only by the unmanned systems themselves, but also by resilient communications networks and algorithms that enable networked interaction with high responsiveness and precise coordination of actions.
Earlier we wrote:
- Zelensky: for the first time we have enough weapons to repel Russian strikes
- Without Starlink — without command: Russia’s small assault-group tactics have collapsed
- A domestic analogue of the Mavic, striking figures and big promises from the new defense minister Fedorov
- Over 83,000 destroyed targets: Ukrainian Armed Forces’ drones bring death to the enemy from the air
- The “drone line” – a revolution in Ukraine’s military tactics
