AI-Enabled Drones: The Case of the Russo-Ukrainian War and Its Far-Reaching Consequences

The Russo-Ukrainian War has significantly accelerated the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and drones (or unmanned aerial systems) into modern military operations, transforming security and defence. Traditional doctrines, centred on static, physical defences, have proven insufficient against the speed and adaptability of AI-enabled drone warfare. Drawing on recent operational evidence, this paper identifies three doctrinal shifts: the replacement of fixed defences with dynamic monitoring networks, based on collaborative human-AI decision-making; the decentralization of innovation through collaboration between military units and civilian actors; and the recognition of drones as inherently dual-use technologies requiring tailored policy frameworks. By analysing Ukraine’s adaptive approach to limited resources, the study underscores the strategic advantages of proactive detection, predictive analytics, and rapid technological iteration. These findings suggest that states that integrate AI-driven anticipation and dual-use preparedness into their doctrines will be better positioned to safeguard the civilian population and critical infrastructure in an era of rapid technological diffusion and evolving threats.