How Drones Are Reshaping Warfare: Pickup Trucks Now Outgun Artillery and Supply Convoys
In a modern battlefield dominated by drone surveillance, military logistics and artillery tactics are undergoing a fundamental transformation. Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Andriy Dmytrenko, speaking with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, explained that the total control of the battlefield by drones has forced armies to adapt their approaches. Large modern trucks and self-propelled artillery units (SPGs) have become excessively vulnerable targets, leading to their replacement by more mobile platforms like pickup trucks, towed guns, and mortars.
In 2023, ammunition was delivered to artillery positions using large trucks like the 'Ural'. However, given the threat from FPV drones, this is no longer feasible. Dmytrenko notes that even a dozen heavy artillery shells are now too much for a pickup truck to carry, further complicating logistics. In this new reality, poor weather has become a critical logistical factor. Fog, strong wind, and rain serve as vital allies, helping to shield supply routes from aerial detection.
Adapting to New Conditions
Modern SPGs, such as the Ukrainian 'Bohdana', are losing relevance due to their large size and visibility. Tracked vehicles leave conspicuous marks on soil or light snow, making them easy targets for the enemy. On the front lines, towed guns like the Soviet D-30 and the American M777 (nicknamed 'Axes') are increasingly in demand. According to Dmytrenko, deploying these 'Axes' is simpler than positioning heavy artillery systems like the 'Caesar' or 'Panzerhaubitze'. Camouflaging mortars has also become a less complex task; during a bombardment, they can simply be laid on the ground and hidden with branches or pieces of netting.
These tactical shifts underscore the profound impact of new technologies, particularly drones, on modern combat. The conflict in Ukraine has become a real-world laboratory for these changes, demonstrating how technological asymmetry forces rapid tactical innovation. Consequently, the use of drones is not only altering ammunition delivery methods but also shaping new strategic decisions on the battlefield. Military forces worldwide, including Ukraine's, are compelled to revise their approaches to logistics and combat operations, highlighting the constant evolution in military technology and tactics.