Why traditional trenches fail against constant drone surveillance and strikes

The battlefield in Ukraine is undergoing a radical transformation as drones redefine what it means to hold the front line. Trenches, once considered the backbone of defensive warfare, are now exposed to constant aerial surveillance and precision strikes. Small, fast unmanned aerial vehicles can detect heat signatures, penetrate dugouts, and follow soldiers attempting to retreat. This shift has forced armies to rethink not just tactics, but the very design of defensive positions, integrating concealment, mobility, and counter-drone measures. What was once a symbol of endurance and protection has become a vulnerable target, emphasizing adaptability over static fortification. Ukraine’s experience illustrates that modern conflict is increasingly shaped by control of the skies, where technological innovation can determine life or death on the ground.

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