What's happened
Ukraine's military employs Soviet-era Yak-52 planes, shooting down 120 drones with shotguns and rifles amid escalating drone warfare. Meanwhile, the US struggles with modern attack drones, investing heavily in less effective systems. Lithuania is expanding civil drone training to bolster regional security.
What's behind the headline?
Ukraine's unconventional tactics highlight a stark contrast between low-tech and high-tech warfare. The use of Soviet-era Yak-52 planes to shoot down drones demonstrates how simple, manual methods remain effective against modern UAVs, especially when high-tech systems are overwhelmed or ineffective.
- The reliance on shotguns and rifles indicates a gap in Ukraine's air defense capabilities, forcing soldiers to revert to WWI-style aerial combat.
- This approach accounts for a significant portion of drone interceptions, showing its importance despite its antiquated nature.
- Meanwhile, the US's focus on expensive, high-tech systems like laser weapons and advanced radar is misaligned with the current battlefield, where cheap, autonomous drones dominate.
- The US is attempting to bridge this gap through rapid drone training courses and expanding civil drone education in NATO countries like Lithuania.
- Lithuania's initiative to teach thousands of civilians and children drone skills aims to bolster regional resilience and develop a future workforce capable of countering hybrid threats.
- The proliferation of drones and electronic warfare in Ukraine underscores the need for adaptable, low-cost countermeasures alongside high-tech solutions.
- The ongoing innovation race between Russia and Ukraine, and the US's lag, suggest that future conflicts will increasingly rely on a mix of simple manual tactics and advanced autonomous systems.
This story underscores the importance of balancing technological investment with practical, low-tech solutions, as the battlefield evolves rapidly and unpredictably. The effectiveness of basic tactics in Ukraine may influence future military strategies worldwide, emphasizing the need for versatile, multi-layered defense systems.
What the papers say
The Wall Street Journal highlights Ukraine's use of Soviet-era Yak-52 planes to shoot down drones with shotguns, emphasizing a return to WWI-style aerial tactics. The NY Post reports that these low-tech methods account for about 10-12% of daily drone interceptions, illustrating their significance. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK discusses the US military's focus on high-tech systems like laser weapons, which are less effective against the current wave of cheap, autonomous attack drones. Critics argue the US is behind in drone warfare, with Ukraine producing millions of drones and developing countermeasures such as AI-powered autonomous drones. The Lithuanian government is also expanding civil drone training, aiming to teach over 22,000 people drone skills by 2028, reflecting regional efforts to enhance resilience against hybrid threats. These contrasting approaches reveal a broader strategic debate: whether to invest in cutting-edge technology or to rely on simple, adaptable tactics that can be deployed immediately in the field.
How we got here
Ukraine faces ongoing drone threats from Russia, which has increased the use of advanced UAVs and electronic warfare. The US has invested in high-tech systems but struggles against the proliferation of cheap, autonomous, and attack-capable drones. Lithuania is actively developing civil drone skills amid regional security concerns, reflecting a broader European focus on drone technology.
Go deeper
- How do Ukraine's tactics compare to Western drone strategies?
- What are the risks of relying on such basic methods?
- Could other countries adopt similar low-tech approaches?
Common question
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What is Lithuania’s plan for drone training for youth?
Lithuania is launching an ambitious drone training program aimed at teaching over 22,000 people, including children as young as eight, how to build and pilot drones. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost national security and civil resilience amid regional threats from Russia and Belarus. But what exactly does this program involve, and why is it so important? Below, we explore the details of Lithuania’s innovative approach and what it could mean for other countries.
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Why Is the US Falling Behind in Drone Warfare Against Ukraine?
The US military is currently lagging behind in drone technology compared to Ukraine, which has rapidly expanded its drone capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. This raises questions about the reasons behind this gap, the limitations of US drone systems, and what the future holds for regional security. Below, we explore these issues and what they mean for global military balance.
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What’s the Latest on Ukraine-Russia Fighting and Peace Efforts?
The Ukraine conflict continues to evolve rapidly, with recent battles in Donetsk, ongoing drone warfare, and stalled peace talks. Many are wondering what’s happening on the ground, how Ukraine is fighting back, and whether peace is even possible right now. Below, we answer the most common questions about the current state of the Ukraine conflict, including military developments, diplomatic efforts, and new tactics like drone warfare.
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How Are Lebanon, Israel, and Ukraine's Military Movements Impacting Regional Stability?
Recent developments in Lebanon, Israel, and Ukraine are shaping the security landscape across their regions. From disarmament efforts and military strikes to ongoing conflicts and diplomatic tensions, these events raise important questions about future stability. Below, we explore the latest updates and what they mean for regional peace and security.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. Lithuania is one of the Baltic states. The country is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, to the southeast of Sweden and Denmark.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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The United States Army is the land warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. It is one of the eight U.S. uniformed services, and is designated as the Army of the United States in the U.S. Constitution.