Robots on Ukraine's frontlines: What are the pros and cons? | DW News

Ukraine’s Evolving Battlefield: The Rise of Unmanned Systems

Key Concepts:

• Ground Robots: Remotely controlled vehicles used for logistics, reconnaissance, and weapon mounting.
• FPV Drones: First-Person View drones, often used for reconnaissance and kamikaze attacks.
• Kill Zones: Deliberately prepared areas with pre-aimed artillery, drone coverage, and mines.
• Human-Machine Teaming: The collaborative effort between human soldiers and unmanned systems.
• Full Autonomy: The ability of robots to select and engage targets without human intervention.
• Gray Zone: An area in front of defensive positions where the enemy faces concentrated fire and surveillance.
• Starlink: Satellite internet constellation used for communication, also targeted by Russian forces.

I. The Karat Brigade and Ground Robot Deployment

The Karat Brigade in eastern Ukraine is actively employing ground robots to mitigate risks to soldiers and enhance operational capabilities. These remotely controlled vehicles are utilized for supply transport to frontline positions and, increasingly, as mobile weapon platforms. Commander Scrooge demonstrated a robot equipped with a Browning heavy machine gun, highlighting its potential for defensive operations – securing roads, engaging vehicles, and even leading attacks. Footage showed a previous instance of a Ukrainian robot prompting the surrender of Russian soldiers, though current deployments prioritize supply delivery.

The initial stage of a robot’s journey involves transport via trailer, revealing the vulnerability of supply lines to Russian strikes, exemplified by a burnt-out truck encountered en route to Kyansk. This area has seen recent Ukrainian gains and the arrival of the elite Russian “Rubicon” unit, who are employing psychological warfare tactics by targeting various infrastructure. The robot’s two-hour journey to the frontline is fraught with danger, requiring careful navigation to avoid detection by Russian forces. A recent mission ended in the robot’s destruction by a Russian drone, but the soldiers emphasize the value of losing equipment rather than human lives. As stated, “If it were still done the way it used to be, only with vehicles, we would probably have neither people nor vehicles left.”

II. Drone Warfare and Tactical Reshaping

Ukrainian forces are leveraging drones to fundamentally alter battlefield tactics. A vantage point overlooking the front lines reveals a coordinated “choreography” between drones in the air and soldiers on the ground. Drones provide a live feed, enabling soldiers to identify potential threats, such as vehicles potentially carrying ammunition or supplies. Combat drones are then dispatched to investigate and neutralize these threats.

This strategy allows Ukrainian forces to establish a “gray zone” – a 2-3 kilometer buffer in front of their positions – minimizing the need for direct infantry engagement. Within this zone, “kill zones” are strategically established, incorporating pre-aimed artillery, drone surveillance, and minefields. The harsh winter conditions, particularly the snow, aid Ukrainian forces by revealing enemy movement, forcing Russian troops to seek shelter underground. A recent casualty was a Russian Starlink device, demonstrating the targeting of enemy communication infrastructure.

III. Expert Analysis: The Future of Unmanned Systems

Ana Dalman, from the Institute for Peace Research and Security, provides insight into the evolving role of unmanned systems. She asserts that these systems will not entirely replace human soldiers but will “complement” them by taking over “dull, dangerous, or data intensive tasks” such as surveillance, logistics, mine clearance, and certain combat strikes. She emphasizes the continued necessity of human judgment in “complex or morally charged situations.”

Dalman identifies unmanned systems as becoming a “necessity” due to their cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and scalability, contrasting them with the vulnerability of human soldiers. She acknowledges the logical progression towards greater autonomy in weapon systems due to communication limitations but expresses significant concern regarding the “decrease in human control over the use of force.”

Dalman notes the UN’s condemnation of delegating life-and-death decisions to machines and the call for international regulation. However, she expresses pessimism about the effectiveness of such regulation, citing resistance from states prioritizing military advantages. She advocates for a ban on “fully autonomous weapon systems” or, at a minimum, “meaningful human control” in the use of force.

Regarding the skills required of future soldiers, Dalman highlights the need for increased “digital literacy,” including the ability to work with AI systems, understand their limitations, and exercise appropriate judgment and control. “Decision making and supervision of these systems will be very important,” she states.

IV. Data and Statistics

• The report highlights the increasing frequency of unmanned systems being deployed on the Ukrainian front lines.
• The destruction of a ground robot during the reported mission, while a loss of equipment, underscored the preservation of human life.
• The mention of the Russian “Rubicon” unit’s recent arrival indicates a reinforcement of Russian forces in the Kyansk area.

Conclusion:

The conflict in Ukraine is serving as a proving ground for unmanned systems, demonstrating their potential to reshape battlefield tactics, reduce casualties, and enhance operational efficiency. While full replacement of human soldiers is unlikely in the foreseeable future, the integration of unmanned systems is becoming increasingly essential. However, the ethical and legal implications of increasing autonomy in weapon systems remain a significant concern, demanding international dialogue and regulation to ensure responsible innovation and maintain meaningful human control over the use of force. The soldier of the future will require a new skillset, blending traditional military training with advanced digital literacy and AI understanding.