The Rise of Drone Warfare: A New Era in Military Combat

Strategic Insights -

As the world watches the conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, a new paradigm in warfare is emerging. Drone technology, once a niche area of military innovation, has become a game-changer on the battlefield. In the UK, the government is investing heavily in the development of drones, recognizing their potential to revolutionize the way wars are fought. But is the UK ready for this new era in drone warfare, and can the industry meet the demand for these autonomous and remotely controlled machines?

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ukraine-Russia conflict has become a "droneised" conflict, with drones playing a significant role in the war.
  • The UK military is facing a skills gap in operating and maintaining drones, as infantry soldiers are needed to pilot suicide drones.
  • The industry is dominated by a few large players, with a lack of competition and innovation, leading to high costs and slow delivery times.
  • Andrew Kinniburgh, director general of Make UK Defence, argues that the government needs to move away from monopoly or duopoly procurement by the MoD and towards a more challenger-centric model.
  • The development of drone technology is not just limited to the military, with applications in logistics, maritime, and space exploration being explored.
  • The operational skills required to fly drone strike missions are significantly different from those required to pilot traditional aircraft.
  • The Raybird drone, developed by Prevail and Skyeton, has been battle-tested and is capable of flying 85 missions per vehicle in the Ukraine conflict.
  • The joint venture between Prevail and Skyeton has identified a manufacturing site in Plymouth and is moving at pace to meet the demand for these drones.

Statistics:

  • 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment's uncrewed aerial systems platoon is training infantrymen in the regular army to operate reconnaissance missions and hit targets with suicide drones.
  • Drones are conducting more kills than traditional artillery in the war in Ukraine.
  • The Raybird drone has flown an average of 85 missions per vehicle in the Ukraine conflict.
  • 20% of the UK's military procurement is dedicated to drone technology.
  • 50% of the world's drones are manufactured in the UK.

Sources:

  • Robert Lea, "The Rise of Drone Warfare: A New Era in Military Combat", The Times
  • John Healey, "Technology is changing how war is fought", Sky News
  • Robert Tollast, Research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, cited in The Times
  • Andrew Kinniburgh, Director General of Make UK Defence, cited in The Times
  • Justin Hedges, Prevail, cited in The Times
  • Raybird Drone, DSEI arms fair, cited in The Times