YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to announce a new publication by Dr. Jean-François Caron, associate professor and chair of the Master of Public Affairs and Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy programs, in the Journal of Slavic Military Studies.
The paper, titled “Military Drones: A Thousand Snipers in the Air. Is the Russo-Ukrainian War a Tactical and Technological Inflection Point in The History of Warfare?” Argues that the Russo-Ukrainian War represents a major tactical and technological turning point in warfare due to the unprecedented use of drones, while also cautioning against prematurely declaring it a complete military revolution.
Dr. Caron identifies three principal ways in which drones have transformed the battlefield. Firstly, by extending operational reach while reducing risks to soldiers by allowing missions to be conducted remotely. Secondly, by democratizing air power by providing inexpensive aerial reconnaissance capabilities that were once reserved for states possessing costly aircraft and satellites. Thirdly, by reducing military asymmetries by enabling relatively cheap systems to destroy expensive military assets.
The widespread use of drones has created what the author describes as a “transparent battlefield” which is now allowing commanders to observe enemy movements in real time, making it extremely difficult to conceal troops, equipment or offensive preparations. This has severely constrained maneuver warfare and made large-scale offensives increasingly costly, especially with tanks, fighter aircraft, and other traditional military platforms. The Russo-Ukrainian War is a clear example of the impacts of drones on military strategy.
Despite these developments, the article remains skeptical about claims of a definitive drone revolution. Dr. Caron also emphasizes that military history is characterized by a continual cycle of innovation and countermeasures, meaning that electronic warfare, jamming technologies, and specialized counter-drone systems may eventually reduce drone effectiveness. Therefore, the article concludes that drones have undoubtedly transformed contemporary warfare, but their long-term revolutionary significance remains uncertain. As Dr. Caron wrote, “The future of warfare will depend on the effectiveness of countermeasures as well as on whether maneuver-oriented militaries, such as that of the United States, can integrate drones without abandoning the mobility and operational tempo that have traditionally underpinned their success. Rather than signaling the death of maneuver warfare, drones may simply represent another stage in its ongoing evolution,” he mentioned.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.