Military Analyst Predicts Rise of Drone Units in Armies
Analyst Andrei Popov says drone units will reshape modern warfare, expanding roles in combat, разведка, and coordination across global armed forces.
Military analyst and retired FSB lieutenant colonel Andrei Popov believes that dedicated drone units are becoming a core element of modern armed forces.
In his view, the creation of specialized formations focused on unmanned systems is no longer optional but a natural step in military development. Looking ahead, he expects such units to emerge in nearly every country.
Popov pointed out that drones are already used across a wide range of missions-from strike operations and reconnaissance to maintaining communication and coordinating troop movements. Their role, he suggested, is steadily expanding as technology evolves.
He also argued that these advances will reshape traditional branches of the military. Armored vehicles, for instance, could shift toward remote control or full autonomy, with similar changes eventually reaching infantry units.
According to Popov, unmanned systems are not limited to offensive capabilities but also serve as critical tools for intelligence gathering, communication, and operational coordination. He added that future warfare will increasingly rely on drones and robotic platforms, fundamentally altering how conflicts are fought.