ABSTRACT

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the first large-scale, high intensity war where both sides have extensively deployed military and commercial drones. What the conflict has so far highlighted is that the frequently mentioned “game-changing effect” of drones on warfare depends on the game. Based on their category, drones produce distinctive military effects either as an extension of air power or as ammunition. Military thinking is therefore changing, making armed drones more politically acceptable. There is also reduced focus on the large armed and surveillance drones known from counterterrorism operations, as better integrated small drone scouts now serve land forces in combat. Far from being a mere security nuisance, small drones have yet to be effectively countered with air defenses. Military and dual-use export controls require adaptation to keep pace with these evolving battlefield realities. The drone lessons of the war in Ukraine thus point to many future challenges lying in wait for the international community.

摘要

俄罗斯入侵乌克兰导致了第一次大规模、高强度的战争，双方都广泛部署了军用和商用无人机。到目前为止，这场冲突凸显的是，经常提到的无人机对战争的“改变游戏规则的影响”取决于游戏。根据其类别，无人机可以作为空中力量的延伸或作为弹药产生独特的军事效果。因此，军事思想正在发生变化，使武装无人机在政治上更容易被接受。人们也减少了对反恐行动中已知的大型武装和监视无人机的关注，因为更好的集成小型无人机侦察机现在可以在战斗中为地面部队服务。小型无人机远非单纯的安全麻烦，还没有被防空系统有效地对抗。军事和两用出口管制需要进行调整，以跟上这些不断变化的战场现实。因此，乌克兰战争的无人驾驶飞机教训指出了等待国际社会的许多未来挑战。