Modern War Institute The Military Technological Arms Race in Ukraine
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Oct 5, 2025 Sam Bendett, an advisor with the Russia Studies Program at CNA, delves into the technological arms race in Ukraine, characterized by rapid innovation from both sides. He explains how Ukraine's integrated use of drones and electronic warfare has played a pivotal role, particularly during the Kursk offensive. Sam highlights the significance of volunteer-driven tech ecosystems in Ukraine, the evolution of counter-UAV tactics, and the implications of commercial dual-use technology. He also discusses how lessons from this conflict may resonate globally.
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Continuous Rapid Technological Race
- The war has become a continuous technological race where each innovation is quickly copied and countered.
- Ukraine often leads initial innovation but Russia increasingly adapts and extends counters.
Fiber-Optic Drones Turn The Tables
- In the Kursk fighting Russians fielded fiber-optic control drones to defeat Ukrainian jamming and force Ukraine out of the region.
- Fiber-optic drones use a cable for C2 and video so they resist RF jamming but die if the cable breaks.
Ukraine's Heavy Multirotor Edge
- Ukraine holds a first-mover advantage in heavy multi-rotor drones used as night bombers and logistical carriers.
- Russia is testing similar heavy designs but lags in volume and speed of fielding.