Lessons from Ukraine are complex, say forces’ leaders
The Challenger 3 tank, seen here in firing trials last year, is seen as a generational change. (Photo: UK Ministry of Defence/Crown Copyright)
The Ukraine war has provided impactful videos on social media, namely the sight of small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) bombing or attacking vehicles and soldiers. This has, however, been overstated and the basics of warfare and effects remain unchanged, according to leading military personnel.
Traditional warfare is a key aspect of battle despite a pre-occupation from some with the use drones and electronic warfare in the Ukraine war and a focus on counter-UAS (C-UAS), according to Lt Gen Mike Elviss, Commander Field Army for the British Army.
This belief was reflected by other force leaders at Defence IQ’s International Armoured Vehicle conference in Farnborough, UK, which ended yesterday, while some in industry and other militaries continue to focus on C-UAS solutions.
One speaker said the UAS focus was a focus on a “shiny object” to the detriment of conventional warfare, while others noted that
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026]()
Dominating the spectrum: ASELSAN’s EW capabilities take center stage at MSPO 2026
ASELSAN is showcasing its advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities at MSPO 2026, highlighting technologies designed to detect, analyse, disrupt and deceive threats across increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.
-
![US Army set to receive first ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light mortar]()
US Army set to receive first ISV-U-mounted Scorpion Light mortar
Global Military Products will begin deliveries next week under a US$12.9 million agreement covering digitally enabled 81mm mortar systems, vehicle integration and army fire-control technology.
-
![US Army reaches out to industry for M109 replacement in a deal worth up to $8 billion]()
US Army reaches out to industry for M109 replacement in a deal worth up to $8 billion
The US has tried several times to replace the M109 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, a requirement which Shephard forecasts could be for as many as 670 platforms and worth as much as US$8 billion.
-
![“Creating a decision advantage”: how C-UAS is evolving to reduce the operator burden]()
“Creating a decision advantage”: how C-UAS is evolving to reduce the operator burden
In Conversation… Speaking to Shephard’s Gerrard Cowan, Dr Brian Shand, Director – Advanced Concepts & Technology at L3Harris, explains how, as operators face growing numbers of low-cost drones, C-UAS providers must focus on reducing operator workload, transforming fragmented sensor data into effective decision-making.
