Ukraine expects the war to see exponentially more 'iron soldiers,' or ground drones with guns that can fill troop roles
Briefly

Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov emphasized the growing reliance on ground drones, asserting they will increasingly replace soldiers in combat due to the desire to save lives. By the end of this year, he predicts a significant escalation in their numbers, noting that these innovations are driven by the human instinct for self-preservation. He stated, "In this calendar year, I think the number of those robot systems will grow immensely in the order of tens." This shift illustrates a critical advancement in military strategy.
Budanov further elaborated on the psychological aspect of warfare, saying, "People are hesitant to go into battle, so if you can send a drone, 10 drones, or one soldier, you'll always choose to send 10 drones." He believes this trend signifies a transformative era in military operations where unmanned systems will become a prominent feature for decades, reshaping how conflicts are fought.
Addressing the future of drone technology in warfare, Budanov remarked, "You can build another drone of 10, but lives are priceless. This is the most important thing." This statement reflects the underlying philosophy driving Ukraine's military strategies as it adapts to new technology while valuing the preservation of human life in combat scenarios. The emphasis on developing countermeasures to these drones further indicates the evolving landscape of warfare.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's commitment to robotic systems is apparent, with the approval of 10 "robotic complexes" for military use. These ground-based platforms, referred to as "iron soldiers," are intended to carry and fire weapons, showcasing Ukraine's innovative approaches amid ongoing conflict. The ministry has been actively testing various drones capable of offensive operations, underscoring the strategic shift towards automation in battle.
Read at Business Insider
[
]
[
|
]