Finland and Poland are rapidly transforming their military strategies as drone warfare in Ukraine reshapes modern combat tactics.
At a Glance
- Drones are responsible for approximately 80% of Russian front-line losses in Ukraine, revolutionizing battlefield dynamics
- NATO allies Finland and Poland are adapting their military forces based on lessons from Ukraine’s drone warfare
- Soldiers are being trained to quickly recognize drone threats and respond with immediate dispersal tactics
- Both nations are investing in various drone technologies while developing countermeasures against enemy drones
The New Face of Modern Warfare
Drones have emerged as a game-changing force on the Ukrainian battlefield, with both sides of the conflict experiencing a significant proliferation of these unmanned aerial vehicles. The technology has transformed combat operations, creating unprecedented challenges for traditional military forces. NATO allies, particularly those sharing borders with Russia, are now urgently adapting their military strategies to account for this revolution in warfare technology. Finland and Poland stand at the forefront of this tactical evolution, closely studying Ukraine’s drone deployment strategies and implementing crucial changes to their defense postures.
Finnish military officials highlight that modern battlefields have become increasingly transparent due to drone surveillance capabilities. Col. Matti Honko of Finland’s military emphasizes that troop movements now require fundamentally different approaches, with forces needing to master rapid mobility and effective dispersal techniques to avoid detection and subsequent targeting. The Finnish military is incorporating these lessons into their training protocols, ensuring soldiers can operate effectively in environments where aerial observation is constant.
Adapting Tactics for Survival
The sound of drones has become a significant trigger for defensive responses among troops in Finland and Poland. Military personnel are being trained to immediately seek cover and disperse upon hearing drone engines, reducing their vulnerability to both surveillance and direct attacks. This represents a fundamental shift in battlefield behavior, acknowledging that traditional formations and movements are now easily detected and potentially lethal in drone-saturated combat zones.
“Whenever you hear a drone, you cannot know if it’s your own or not. So you cannot be sure, because you cannot distinguish it from the sound. It means that you start what I would call: immediate air-cover procedures. You find shelter, you try to disperse yourselves, you try to avoid being detected.”, stated Col. Matti Honko.
Both countries are conducting extensive training exercises that simulate responses to drone threats. Finnish soldiers from the 3rd Jaeger Company recently participated in NATO’s Lively Sabre 25 exercise, which was part of the larger Swift Response 25 initiative. These exercises specifically address the complexities of modern warfare, including drone threats and rapid response requirements. The training focuses on maintaining operational effectiveness despite the challenges posed by enemy surveillance and strike capabilities.
Developing Drone Capabilities and Countermeasures
Poland’s military leadership acknowledges the rapidly evolving nature of drone technology. Brig. Gen. Michal Strzelecki of Poland’s 6th Airborne Brigade notes that Polish forces are actively training to use various drone systems while experimenting with different technologies to find optimal solutions. The country currently employs Israeli-made Orbiter reconnaissance drones while simultaneously developing smaller systems like quadcopters for tactical applications. The war in Ukraine has significantly accelerated Poland’s timeline for developing and deploying these technologies.
“The war in Ukraine shows the significant role of the lower-level drones. That’s something we are developing right now. We are training people how to operate them and waiting to implement the best version of that which will be the most suitable for our unit.”, reported Brig. Gen. Michal Strzelecki.
Finland, which joined NATO in 2023 partly in response to Russian aggression, is taking a similar approach by utilizing commercial drones for enhanced surveillance and targeted strike capabilities. The Finnish military is particularly focused on developing countermeasures against fiber-optic controlled drones, which have proven especially effective in Ukraine. These efforts reflect Finland’s recognition that its 830-mile border with Russia requires advanced defensive capabilities adapted to modern warfare realities.
Regional Security Implications
The urgency of these adaptations is underscored by Russia’s increased military presence along its border with Finland following the latter’s NATO accession. Both Finland and Poland recognize that their geographic positions make them potential frontline states in any future conflict with Russia. This has motivated their military leaders to accelerate transformation efforts, incorporating lessons from Ukraine while enhancing cooperation with other NATO allies through joint exercises and technology sharing initiatives.
Military analysts note that the ability to quickly seize and hold strategic positions like airfields remains crucial in modern warfare, as demonstrated by Ukraine’s successful defense of Hostomel airport against Russian forces in 2022. Finland and Poland are therefore balancing their focus on drone warfare with traditional capabilities, ensuring their forces remain versatile and prepared for multiple threat scenarios. This comprehensive approach reflects the complex nature of modern security challenges facing NATO’s eastern and northern flank nations.
