Modern warfare is undergoing a profound shift due to the rise of drones and AI on the battlefield. Unmanned systems are omnipresent in conflicts worldwide, and these low-cost platforms, often enhanced with AI for navigation or target selection, can punch far above their weight in modern war.

This revolution in warfare has raised alarm bells in Europe. NATO countries have watched Russian and Ukrainian forces innovate at lightning speed. Moscow, in particular, has leaned heavily into unmanned systems. According to President Putin, the Russian armed forces received 140,000 UAVs in 2023, and 2024 production increased nearly tenfold to 1.4 million drones. These numbers are giving Russia an enormous swarming capability born from its combat experience in the Ukraine war.

The lesson is crystal clear for Europe: drone warfare and AI are changing the face of battle today, and unless Europe rapidly scales up its own drone development and production, it risks falling behind.

Drones: The New Architects of War

One unmistakable lesson from contemporary conflicts ranging from Ukraine to Myanmar to Ethiopia is that drones and unmanned systems are actively reshaping the art of war.

Unmanned systems combine lethal precision with minimal risk to personnel, eliminating the need to put operators in harm’s way. Whether used for surveillance, targeting, or direct attack, drones offer a blend of affordability and lethality that is highly appealing, particularly in asymmetric operations. Moreover, as AI advances, the success rate for strikes dramatically improves.