Drone warfare now mirrors the evolution of World War One aviation.

Ukrainian forces are transforming drone usage from simple reconnaissance tools into instruments of active aerial combat. The rise of drone-to-drone engagements mirrors the early days of aerial warfare in World War One, where observation planes quickly gave way to armed fighters. Ukraine has adapted its FPV drones into bombers, loitering munitions, and now interceptors, while Russia fields counter-drones with fiber-optic links to evade electronic defenses. Early improvised tactics, like ramming or nets, have evolved into purpose-built drones such as the Shrike, capable of hunting enemy UAVs at high speeds for minimal cost. Both sides are racing to integrate AI, autonomy, and advanced targeting to gain air superiority above the frontlines. This rapid evolution is reshaping the battlefield, turning small, low-cost drones into decisive tools for survival, tactical initiative, and control of the skies.

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