Rise of FPV Drones in Modern Warfare Seen by Russian Experts as Comparable to Introduction of Gunpowder.

Dmitry Kuzyakin, CEO of the Center for Complex Unmanned Solutions (CCUS), recently told the Russian news agency TASS that the use of First-Person View (FPV) drones in the conflict in Ukraine is radically transforming modern military tactics. While drones' technological evolution is not a new phenomenon, this public declaration signals a broader acknowledgment of their increasing effectiveness on the battlefield.
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FPV drone in the Defense Forces of Ukraine (Picture source: 35th Marine Brigade)

FPV drones are increasingly being used for targeted strikes against vehicles, aircraft, and even other drones, heralding a new era in military operations. According to Kuzyakin, the rise of FPV drones is comparable to the historical impact of gunpowder at the end of the Middle Ages. This comparison highlights the growing strategic importance of this technology and the challenges it presents for modern armies.

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both sides have quickly adapted to evolving operational needs, with an unprecedented use of drones, particularly FPV drones. These small drones, initially used for civilian racing, have been modified to become formidable weapons on the battlefield. In Ukraine, the production of FPV drones has surged, meeting the need for precise, low-cost attacks. These drones can be equipped with explosives and used for reconnaissance or targeted attacks, such as flying through windows of buildings or into the hatches of armored vehicles to deliver devastatingly precise strikes.

The use of FPV drones for targeted strikes, particularly against armored vehicles or enemy infrastructure, is a key factor in their growing popularity. These drones, often costing less than 500 dollars per unit, are highly effective. They allow the Ukrainian armed forces to compensate for shortages in heavy weapons provided by allied countries and maintain constant pressure on Russian forces. The economic model of FPV drones, with their mass production and low cost, enables their intensive use in a conflict where attrition is a critical factor.

On the Russian side, adaptation to this new technological reality has also accelerated. Since the summer of 2023, the Russian military has begun modifying its own drones to make them more effective in aerial combat. At this point, it’s no longer just about ground strikes; FPV drones are also being used for aerial interceptions. These drones can easily catch up with piloted helicopters or reconnaissance drones, enabling the destruction of airborne targets with an effectiveness that rivals missiles. The maneuverability and speed of these drones, combined with their ability to operate like missiles with a high thrust-to-weight ratio, allow them to move quickly and strike targets with extreme precision.

However, the development and deployment of these sophisticated drones are not without challenges. One of the main obstacles is the need for specialized pilot training. Piloting an FPV drone for precise air or ground strikes requires specific skills and intensive training. According to Kuzyakin, it is not enough to have technologically advanced drones; well-trained personnel are also essential to maximize their potential. Training FPV drone pilots has therefore become a priority for the armies on both sides, as those who master this technology will gain a significant advantage on the battlefield.

The expansion of drone warfare, as predicted by Kuzyakin, goes beyond the increased use of drones for precision strikes or reconnaissance missions. It also signifies a revolution in how large-scale military operations are conducted. FPV drones are reshaping force distribution, shifting the danger away from frontline soldiers to the drones themselves. Indeed, the teams operating these drones often work from relatively safe distances behind the front lines, usually two to five kilometers back. This allows them to stay out of enemy fire while continuing to carry out precise strikes against military targets.

This shift in warfare tactics has led to a rise in countermeasures. Electronic jammers are increasingly being used to try and neutralize FPV drones, but these devices have their own limitations. Jamming requires significant electrical power and bulky equipment, limiting its use on the battlefield. Infantry units can only deploy small jammers that provide limited protection. Armored vehicles, on the other hand, have developed protection systems such as "turtle tanks" equipped with steel cages and other forms of physical armor to defend against drone attacks.

While the Ukrainian military has made significant advances in the use of FPV drones, it still faces Russia's strategic superiority in military drones. Russia's arsenal includes reconnaissance drones like the Zala and Orlan, as well as one-way attack drones such as the Shahed, supplied by Iran. These devices allow Russia to carry out combined multi-munition strikes, increasing their effectiveness on the battlefield. In response, Ukraine allocated one billion dollars last July to strengthen its drone production and improve its defense capabilities.

Despite the progress made, many technological challenges remain. Tests of drones equipped with artificial intelligence, such as the Ukrainian Saker Scout and SkyKnight 2 models, or the Russian Shturm 1.2 and Ovod drones, show that the path to full automation is still long (Picture source: 128th Territorial Defense Brigade) 

The future of drone warfare, as Kuzyakin predicts, will likely involve increasing automation and the use of drone swarm tactics. Both Ukrainian and Russian armies are increasingly moving towards autonomous drone systems capable of group attacks with sophisticated coordination between units. The use of artificial intelligence to enhance the range, accuracy, and effectiveness of drone attacks is also a growing trend. Innovations in AI-integrated drone systems, whether in target recognition or automated flight paths, are expected to further transform the battlefield.

Despite the progress made, many technological challenges remain. Tests of drones equipped with artificial intelligence, such as the Ukrainian Saker Scout and SkyKnight 2 models, or the Russian Shturm 1.2 and Ovod drones, show that the path to full automation is still long. However, technological superiority in this area could well determine the outcome of future conflicts. Countries that fail to adopt and develop these technologies risk being left behind, just as those that failed to adapt to the introduction of gunpowder at the end of the Middle Ages.

In conclusion, the evolution of FPV drones and their use in the Ukrainian conflict is redefining modern military strategies. These technologies, once seen as mere gadgets for limited operations, are now central to the military plans of both sides. The Ukrainian army, despite being outnumbered and technologically inferior to Russia, has shown that innovation and mastery of FPV drones can help rebalance forces on the battlefield. For Kuzyakin, there is no doubt that FPV drones will continue to play a central role in future conflicts, with far-reaching strategic consequences for armies around the world.