As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, battles have become increasingly complex and are now fought far beyond the frontlines. Ukrainian forces are adopting innovative techniques to gain an advantage over Russian forces. Rather than focusing solely on Russian troops and armored formations, Ukrainian forces are now targeting the Russian logistics network.
Mid-Range Strike Campaign
Kyiv has launched a "mid-range strike campaign," utilizing AI-enabled kamikaze drones to target Russian fuel tankers, cargo trucks, railcars, and other supply assets in Russian-controlled territory. This campaign is already having a devastating effect on Russian logistics by cutting key supply routes to Crimea.
"The reason why we are currently conducting this campaign is to hunt enemy logistics capabilities," an Unmanned Systems Department Officer of the First Corps Azov of Ukraine's National Guard told The War Zone in an exclusive interview. "The overall sense of this campaign is to strike enemy concentrations of cargo in the places where this concentration is the highest and the protection of those enemy logistical assets is at the lowest level."
Technology and AI Integration
Ukrainian forces are using a combination of modified commercial-style drones and artificial intelligence to execute their operations. By integrating upgraded communication systems, propulsion improvements, and satellite connectivity with kamikaze drones such as the Hornet and Darts, Ukrainian forces are significantly extending their operational reach.
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in making these long-range attacks possible. "The AI is used for the so-called last-mile system. I'm talking about the terminal guidance here, and also the AI can be used to identify the targets, especially when the drone is flying in the autonomous mode," said the Azov officer.
Ukrainian units are using Starlink satellite communication systems, alongside other undisclosed communication solutions, enabling the drones to operate far beyond their original tactical range.
Russian Countermeasures
The growing attacks on Russian logistics and supply networks have forced them to rapidly deploy countermeasures. Russians are deploying anti-drone nets deep inside occupied territories, establishing observation posts, and even stationing personnel armed with shotguns to intercept incoming drones.
Implications for Future Warfare
The mid-range strike campaign offers an insight into the future of warfare, where relatively inexpensive drones enhanced with artificial intelligence can threaten crucial military infrastructure far beyond the frontlines. As drones, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence continue to reshape battlefield dynamics, future wars will heavily depend on the adaptability and innovation of forces around the world.
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