FEATURES OF MODERN WARFARE ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MASSIVE USE OF DRONES ON THE BATTLEFIELD IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the transformation of combat tactics under the influence of unmanned aerial vehicles, which over the past year have become the main driver of change on the battlefield, moving the line of confrontation from the zero zone of contact to the enemy's deep rear and the Black Sea, demonstrating a transition from a model of numerical superiority to a technology-oriented paradigm with a priority on speed of adaptation, accuracy of strikes and distribution of means of influence.A multi-layered concept for the use of UAVs in Ukraine has been identified, combining FPV platforms and heavy night bombers at the tactical level with long-range aircraft for strikes at a distance of 800–2000 km and more on enemy military infrastructure, as well as marine drones, which destroyed the dominance of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in Crimea and on maritime communications. At the same time, a mirror reaction by the Russian Federation has been recorded in the form of scaling up its own production, testing special tactics for use and accelerated implementation of counter-drone solutions, confirming the escalation of competition between strike systems and countermeasures.The need for systematic integration of drones into command, control, reconnaissance, firepower and logistics systems has been substantiated, with priority given to secure communications, channels resistant to radio-electronic interference, automated target designation and target distribution algorithms, as well as the development of a national production base, standardisation of operator and technician training, and unification of testing and maintenance procedures, ensuring scalability, predictability of supply and rapid equipment upgrades in response to changes in enemy tactics.Special attention should be paid to the development of anti-drone capabilities and electronic warfare assets in conjunction with air defence, improving the regulatory framework for the serial production and operation of unmanned systems, as well as the maritime component, which demonstrates new deterrence capabilities in maritime theatres and a shift in the balance of power without the deployment of large platforms, which in the long term will shape new standards of international security and strengthen the role of autonomous systems in the warfare of the future.