

Drone Warfare in Ukraine and the Future Of Combat | Sam Bendett | Escaped Sapiens #79
Feb 9, 2025
In this conversation, Sam Bendett, a leading expert on Russian weapons and drone technology, delves into the current landscape of drone warfare in Ukraine. He discusses the diverse UAV systems employed by both sides and the psychological impact on soldiers and civilians. The conversation explores the complexities of drone operations, supply chain dynamics, and innovations in fiber optic-controlled drones. Sam also highlights how drone technology is redefining military strategies, enabling smaller nations to challenge larger forces, and speculates on the future of unmanned warfare.
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Drone Variety in Ukraine
- Both sides in the Ukrainian conflict use various drones for diverse missions.
- These range from small quadcopters to long-range attack drones, covering all distances and altitudes.
Ubiquitous Drone Surveillance
- Drone surveillance is pervasive in the Ukrainian conflict, impacting troop movements and tactics.
- Soldiers face constant observation and potential attack, changing traditional military practices.
Psychological Impact of Drones
- Soldiers in Ukraine experience intense stress due to constant drone presence.
- This leads to new forms of PTSD, exacerbated by the drones' ability to stalk individual soldiers.