April 13th 2024.
Over the past two years of the ongoing war, Ukraine has been working tirelessly to build up its drone capabilities. The country has not shied away from targeting various Russian assets, including Soviet Su-34 bombers, tanks, and even oil refineries located deep inside Russian territory. With their backs against the wall and facing a severe shortage of artillery rounds, Ukraine has had to rely on their unmanned aerial vehicles to make up for the lack of firepower.
Initially, drones were mostly used for tracking enemy soldiers and providing guidance for artillery strikes. But now, almost every fighting brigade has its own assault drone company, and most units have small reconnaissance drones at their disposal. Such is the significance of these drones that President Volodymyr Zelensky himself announced the creation of a separate branch of the Ukrainian Armed Forces solely devoted to their use.
However, despite these advancements, there are growing concerns that Ukraine may not be able to withstand a ground offensive from Russia in the northeast this summer. Military expert Dr. Jack Watling explains that the issue is not the lack of drones, but rather the severe shortage of ammunition. He believes that the top priority should be to increase the supply of ammunition rather than solely relying on drones to fill the gap.
One of the primary targets for the Kremlin is Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, located just 18 miles from the border. President Zelensky recently revealed that almost a quarter of the city has been destroyed by Russian strikes. He also accused the enemy of deliberately trying to reduce Kharkiv to rubble, making it easier for their troops to advance.
Dr. Watling explains that the outcome of the war depends on two possible trajectories, which are directly linked to the level of military aid from the US. In an optimistic scenario, Ukraine's army will be able to defend against the Russian offensive with proper deployment and sufficient ammunition. This will give them enough time to sort out their mobilization laws and start training new units. However, a more bleak scenario is on the horizon if the US Congress does not lift the embargo on military aid. In this case, Russia may make significant gains, and Ukraine's allies in NATO may prioritize rearming themselves rather than providing aid to Ukraine.
Dr. Watling emphasizes that the international community plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the war. He urges for immediate action to prevent Ukraine from running out of ammunition and facing defeat at the hands of the Russians. The situation remains tense and uncertain, and only time will tell which trajectory the war takes. In the meantime, stay updated on the latest developments by following us on WhatsApp and be the first to know about any breaking news. We are proud to publish the work of Dr. Watling and his colleague, Justin Bronk, as they explore the design of UAV complexes for land forces in their recent publication, Mass Precision Strike.
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