Innovation

 https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/06/07/russia-steps-up-use-of-new-military-technologies-against-ukraine-including-ai_6742108_4.html What is the main argument of this piece?

Main Argument of the Article

The main argument of the piece is that Russia is significantly increasing its use of advanced military technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative drone systems, in its war against Ukraine. This escalation is changing the dynamics on the battlefield, making previously "safe" zones vulnerable to attack and complicating Ukrainian defense efforts.

The article illustrates this shift through frontline accounts, describing how Russian forces are deploying sophisticated drones such as the "Matka"—a "mother drone" capable of carrying and releasing multiple loitering munitions (kamikaze drones). These drones can travel longer distances, conduct aerial reconnaissance, and guide their payloads ("children") to targets, dramatically increasing the reach and lethality of Russian attacks. As a result, Ukrainian soldiers report a rapidly deteriorating security situation, with attacks now targeting both military and civilian vehicles far from the front lines.

In summary, the article argues that Russia's adoption and rapid improvement of new military technologies, including AI-driven systems, is giving it a tactical advantage and intensifying the threat to Ukrainian forces and civilians alike.

How are Russian military technologies evolving to gain an advantage in Ukraine?

Russian military technologies are evolving rapidly in Ukraine, primarily through the large-scale integration of advanced drones, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence to gain a battlefield advantage.

Drones and UAVs: Russia has pioneered the use of fiber-optic-controlled drones at scale, which are less susceptible to Ukrainian radio jamming. These drones are used for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and even in swarms, giving Russian forces an edge in both offensive and defensive operations. Russia is also increasing drone production dramatically, aiming for up to 1.4 million units in 2025, and deploying a mix of kamikaze, reconnaissance, and semi-autonomous drones.

Electronic Warfare: Russian forces have shifted from large, vehicle-based electronic warfare (EW) systems to smaller, portable EW devices that can be carried by individual soldiers. This adaptation allows for more flexible and resilient counter-drone operations at the "trench level," directly on the front lines. Russia’s historical strength in EW is being leveraged and innovated upon to counter Ukraine’s drone and communications technologies.

Artificial Intelligence: Russia is rapidly integrating AI into its drone operations, with a focus on minimizing human operator involvement. AI-enabled drones can autonomously identify, track, and strike targets, increasing precision and reducing operator risk. Volunteer groups and commercial entities are contributing to the development of inexpensive yet sophisticated AI-driven systems, including autonomous quadcopters and kamikaze drones.

Decentralized Innovation: Russia’s approach is marked by a decentralized ecosystem involving defense companies, volunteers, and startups. This has led to uneven but fast-paced innovation and deployment of new technologies, with a push for standardization and training across the front lines.

Rapid Adaptation: Russian forces have demonstrated the ability to quickly adapt to Ukrainian technological advances, often matching or countering new tactics and technologies within weeks. For example, their adoption of fiber-optic drones was a direct response to Ukraine’s radio jamming.

In summary, Russia is leveraging a combination of advanced drones, portable electronic warfare, AI, and rapid adaptation cycles to try to outpace Ukrainian innovations and maintain a technological edge on the battlefield.