The drones are reshaping the battlefield: 'the future is now'

The U.S. Army has ordered nearly 12,000 small surveillance drones that can fit in a backpack as the battlefield shifts towards electronic warfare.

According to Brett Velicovich, a drone expert and former U.S. Army intelligence and special operations soldier, conflicts around the world, particularly the war in Ukraine, have significantly altered how major nations approach warfare.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been characterized by horrific images reminiscent of World War II, including children being transported on trains and trenches scarring the eastern front, prompting renewed fears about the potential global implications of this war.

Ukraine's scrappy response to its often outnumbered and at times outgunned reality has transformed how major nations view the modern-day battlefield.

"Velicovich, a Planet Chronicle contributor, stated, "Consider the way we waged wars in the past, such as the Vietnam War. While battling the enemy along the trench line, you couldn't predict who was on the other side of the hill. You targeted the red hat you saw.""

He added, "With the ability to see over the hill, you can now maneuver your forces quickly based on that."

This week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Army secured its largest-ever purchase of small surveillance drones from Red Cat Holding's Utah-based Teal Drones.

The U.S. has been considering a significant step for more than a decade after terrorists first used small-drone tactics against the U.S. military in the Middle East.

Velicovich, who frequently advises on drone technology in Ukraine, claims that the U.S. lags behind its top rivals, Russia and China, in drone investment capabilities.

Although the U.S. invested heavily in advanced systems like Predator and Reaper drones, which are multimillion-dollar systems designed for intelligence collection and long-duration flight times with missile strike capabilities, it is the small, inexpensive UAVs that are transforming battlefield dynamics.

"Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have evolved into guided artillery shells, according to Velicovich. These systems, which consist of both the UAV and the ground-based controller, are revolutionizing warfare. The U.S. has been slow to adapt to this change."

The U.S. Army has taken 15 years to enhance its Short Range Reconnaissance program with compact drones due to a mental obstacle that the Department of Defense had to overcome.

"According to Velicovich, the mindset of senior leaders stems from their background as seasoned infantry soldiers who were not exposed to advanced technology during their upbringing."

The war in Ukraine has shown how effective drones are, and as a result, people are changing their thought process about them.

""The future is now, and drones will never be used in warfare again," Velicovich stated."

The Black Widow drone was developed by Teal Drones based on battlefield needs identified by the U.S. Army, as explained by Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson to Planet Chronicle Digital.

This advanced system, capable of being operated by a single person, can withstand Russian jamming, possesses strike capabilities, and can fly in areas without GPS navigation - a crucial aspect emphasized by the conflict in Ukraine.

"The Short Range Reconnaissance drone will enable the warfighter to be more deadly and safer in combat," Thompson stated.

The U.S. Army approved the acquisition of approximately 12,000 drones. Each soldier equipped with Black Widow technology will receive a "system," consisting of two drones and a controller, all of which can be carried in a rucksack.

The drones and controller, each costing the U.S. government about $45,000, make up a system.

According to Johnson, Ukraine's armed forces are currently receiving approximately 10,000 drones per month. This implies that the U.S. will need to acquire significantly more than 12,000 drones.

Kamikaze drones can be made for as low as $1,000 and are frequently used in warfare, as shown by the conflict in Ukraine.

Drone warfare is not just about the number of strikes; it's a strategic move.

"Velicovich stated that drone and counter-drone technology, including jamming systems, are constantly evolving in a cat-and-mouse game, which is happening at a level that most people are unaware of."

"As if we were almost witnessing the future, he stated. We are currently observing the events unfolding in Ukraine, and in the future, we will likely face a war similar to it. Therefore, we must prepare ourselves."