‘It’s drones fighting drones’: Ukrainian officer offers inside look at roboticized war

Report Content

Ukraine has sent hundreds of counter-drone experts to the Middle East to help the militaries of the United States, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE defend themselves from Iranian and Russian Shahed drones. Among them is Ukrainian Air Force Capt. Max Maslii, deputy chief of staff for the 96th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade, who visited Washington, D.C., in March as part of a Ukrainian defense forces delegation. In this Defense One interview, Maslii describes how Ukraine is using robot swarms, agentic AI, and frontline innovation to define the future of military operations. He outlines how U.S. and NATO militaries must change how they buy, train, and conduct operations to meet the reality of robotic warfare. 

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Classification
Region
North America, West Asia
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Military Operations / Weapons & Equipment
SALUTE Report
Size
Hundreds of counter-drone experts
Activity
Ukraine is assisting Middle Eastern militaries in countering drone threats from Iran and Russia
Location
Middle East · United States · Kuwait · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · UAE
Unit
Ukrainian Air Force, 96th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade
Time
March
Equipment
dronesrobot swarmsagentic AI
Summary

Ukraine has deployed hundreds of counter-drone experts to the Middle East to assist the militaries of the U.S., Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in countering Iranian and Russian drone threats. Capt. Max Maslii of the Ukrainian Air Force is part of this initiative, highlighting the importance of adapting military operations to the realities of robotic warfare. This effort underscores the evolving nature of military engagements in the region.

Key Facts
  • Ukraine has sent hundreds of counter-drone experts to the Middle East.
  • Ukrainian Air Force Capt. Max Maslii is involved in the efforts.
  • The assistance targets Iranian and Russian Shahed drones.
  • The report emphasizes the need for changes in military operations and procurement.
  • The focus is on robotic warfare and AI innovations.