Introduction: A Historic Operation In December, Ukraine executed a pioneering all-drone, multi-domain attack on Russian forces near Kharkiv, marking a significant evolution in military operations. This operation, described by an official at the International Armoured Vehicle (IAV) conference, stands as the first known instance of a fully uncrewed military engagement.

The Composition of the Attack The operation was characterized by the exclusive use of weaponized uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and first-person view (FPV) attack drones, devoid of crewed aircraft or ground troops. UGVs carried out a range of mission profiles, including surveillance, mine clearance, and direct fire support, in tandem with uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). The official described this „tactical air-land operation” as a notable example of an „uncrewed battle fought by one side” in the ongoing conflict.

Significance of the Operation Reflecting on the operation’s impact, the official indicated that it may initially have seemed like a minor event but has now been recognized as a „seminal moment in the changing character of conflict.” The operation illustrates how Ukraine’s military is leveraging attritable technologies to enhance its combat capabilities, effectively turning its industrial disadvantages into innovative advantages.

Confirmation and Details of the Attack The December attack was later confirmed by the National Guard of Ukraine, with reports indicating the use of „dozens” of uncrewed vehicles equipped with machine guns and munitions in an assault near Lyptsi. While specific models of UGVs and FPV drones were not disclosed, defense sources indicated the involvement of the 4×4 ‘Ratel S,’ developed under Ukraine’s Brave1 Defence Innovation Forum.

Innovative Use of UGVs According to Paul Clayton, director of industrial partnerships at Milrem Robotics, which manufactures UGVs, Ukraine has been maximizing the deployment of drones across various missions. He recounted firsthand experiences in Ukraine, where UGVs were effectively utilized for „first strike” missions, allowing multiple units to overwhelm enemy positions and disrupt their command and control systems.

Challenges Ahead Despite the advantages presented by UGVs, Clayton acknowledged significant operational limitations. The winter-mud season poses challenges for tactical and strategic operations, severely affecting mobility and rendering wheeled vehicles less effective in off-road conditions. Additionally, UGVs face vulnerabilities to advanced electronic warfare (EW) and jamming technologies, which can impede their control and effectiveness.

Clayton emphasized the need for UGVs to seek cover in fortified positions during missions and noted that intelligence and EW teams must continuously monitor enemy frequencies to counteract jamming efforts.

Future Prospects for UGV Deployment Since 2022, Ukraine has deployed 15 THeMIS UGVs from Milrem, employing them for various roles including cargo transport and casualty evacuation. However, Clayton indicated that additional orders for UGVs with enhanced capabilities, such as anti-tank systems and intelligence-gathering tools, are expected. His goal is to deploy over 200 UGVs in Ukraine by the end of the year to fulfill diverse combat and reconnaissance functions.

Conclusion: A New Frontier in Military Warfare Ukraine’s innovative all-drone attack is indicative of a broader transformation in military strategy, harnessing technology to adapt to the evolving landscape of warfare. As UGVs and drones become integral to military operations, their role in future conflicts will likely continue to expand, reshaping the nature of engagement on the battlefield.

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