Revolution in Military Affairs Samuel Bendett on Drones and the Future of War
34 snips
Feb 2, 2026 Samuel Bendett, an advisor on Russian defense and autonomous systems, explains why cheap drones reshaped reconnaissance and strikes. He traces non-state adoption from ISIS to Houthi attacks. He explores how terrain and countermeasures shape battlefield visibility. He highlights the surprising scale of FPV and the growing role of AI in data analysis and multi-vehicle control.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dual-Use Drones Democratize Battlefield Power
- Cheap, dual-use drones democratize ISR and strike capabilities across many combatants.
- Their low cost, rapid iteration, and mass-replaceability changed who can observe and strike on the battlefield.
Russian Base Attacks Exposed DIY Drone Threats
- Russians encountered DIY UAV attacks on bases in 2018–2019 and showcased shot-down drones as trophies.
- These incidents revealed commercial drones' surprising range and catalyzed study but not immediate full adaptation.
Open Knowledge Multiplies Drone Threats
- Knowledge to convert commercial drones into weapons is widely available and spreading.
- That combination of hardware and open instructions accelerates adoption by states and non-state actors.