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Small Drones & Loitering Munitions in Ukraine - The terrifying rise of cheap precision

While the news often focuses on the role of large, expensive systems in the Ukraine war (think of the attention given to tanks, aircraft, or MLRS and SAM systems in recent weeks and months) some of the most omnipresent and disruptive systems have actually been terrifyingly cheap and accessible. Off-the-shelf commercial drones converted for military use have been deployed by the truckload, while some of Russia's more successful weapons have been comparatively cheap loitering munitions and kamikaze drones like the Iranian Shahed and Russian Lancet. Videos of equipment destroyed by drones that might cost a thousandth of the price have become image of the war across social media. In this video, I examine the use of these (often civilian) systems in the war in Ukraine, look at international developments, and ask what lessons we can take from the terrifying rise of cheap sensor and cheaper precision on the battlefield.

English
  • Originally Aired February 12, 2023
  • Runtime 68 minutes
  • Production Code AlpZf1hpQYM
  • Created May 24, 2023 by
    stalemate
  • Modified May 24, 2023 by
    PolarGeek admin