The use of aviation and armored vehicles has undergone a radical transformation over the course of the special military operation, military analyst Alexey Zhivov told Lenta.ru.

According to the expert, the tactics of air warfare had to be completely rethought due to the high density of enemy air defense systems. Zhivov explained that both mobile and stationary anti-aircraft complexes are active across the frontline, making the use of attack aircraft extremely dangerous. The focus, he noted, has shifted toward frontline bombers capable of deploying long-range and glide munitions.

Zhivov emphasized that the conflict has spurred the development of entire new lines of aerial weapons designed to hit targets at considerable distances.

When discussing the evolution of tank warfare, the analyst recalled that before the widespread introduction of drones, armored vehicles played a major role and had a tangible impact on the course of battles. Up until the fall of 2023, tanks significantly influenced combat operations on both sides. However, with the mass deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles, their effectiveness on the front line sharply declined.

At present, Zhivov said, tank units can only operate successfully when protected by layered defenses — including electronic warfare systems and coordinated support from other weapon platforms. Today, tanks primarily serve auxiliary functions rather than decisive ones.

The expert concluded that under modern battlefield conditions, tanks no longer play a dominant role, and their overall concept will have to be fundamentally redefined in future military doctrines.