UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES IN ASYMMETRIC WARFARE: TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES AND STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE IN COUNTERING RUSSIA’S TECHNOLOGICAL ESCALATION

Abstract

This article investigates the extensive use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones have become a pivotal component of Ukraine’s asymmetric strategy amid Russia’s technological escalation, particularly with the emergence of jet-powered Shahed-238 (“Geran-3”) drones. It provides a detailed description of the technical characteristics, classification, and tactical applications of combat, reconnaissance, decoy, and interceptor UAVs employed by both sides of the conflict. The study highlights Russia’s ramped-up production of kamikaze drones like Shahed and new models such as “Banderol,” incorporating foreign components, notably from China and Iran. In contrast, Ukraine showcases innovation through the development of interceptor drones, autonomous detection systems, and AI-driven technologies to counter the enemy effectively.

The article emphasizes the shift in battlefield tactics from large-scale offensives to precision strikes by small mobile units supported by UAVs. Ukraine’s strategy relies on rapid adaptation, volunteer mobilization, and technical ingenuity to offset resource constraints. The introduction of high-speed, long-range Shahed-238 drones poses new challenges for Ukraine’s air defense, necessitating the development of jet-powered interceptors and advanced defense systems.

The study underscores that UAVs have fundamentally transformed the nature of warfare, creating a “kill zone” along the front line and shifting the focus from numerical superiority to technological dominance. It describes how the integration of artificial intelligence and computer vision in UAVs, such as Ukraine’s “Vatra” or Russia’s V2U, marks a new phase of warfare where autonomy and precision are paramount. The conclusions highlight that Ukraine’s success in this asymmetric conflict hinges on combining innovation, and international support to neutralize the growing threat of jet-powered drones