Ukraine’s unconventional drone tactics offer Taiwan defence hope, but has it been too slow to adapt?
- Ukraine’s drones have taken a heavy toll on Russian ships and ports, offering valuable lessons in asymmetrical warfare
- While sea control may be gained without stronger warships, Taiwan’s defence industry still relies heavily on US support
Over the course of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the battle for control at sea has repeatedly tilted in Kyiv’s favour. Without warships of its own, Ukraine has sunk or disabled several vessels from the vaunted Russian navy using only drones. Has the conflict signalled a new era in battle tactics, and are there lessons for Taiwan?
Asymmetrical warfare
Remote-controlled unmanned boats were first used in warfare in World War II. In the decades since, many countries have advanced the technology.
Since the war broke out in 2022, Ukraine claims to have sunk or damaged 24 surface ships and one submarine – a third of the Russian fleet – with many of the attacks carried out by its sea drones. The latest hit was in early March when naval drones sank Russia’s newest patrol ship, the Sergei Kotov.
The 1,300-tonne vessel, which was launched in 2021, was destroyed by a group of Ukrainian Magura V5 drones, or “maritime autonomous guard unmanned robotic apparatus V-type”. The 1-tonne weapons are 5.5 metres (18 feet) long, battery-powered, and can carry up to 800kg (1,764lbs) of explosives.
They are demonstrating that control of the sea could be obtained without stronger warships
Ukraine has also deployed sea-based drones and conducted successful attacks on key Russian infrastructure such as vital ports and the Kerch Bridge to Crimea. Such efforts enabled the partial resumption of Ukraine’s essential grain exports by sea which had been hampered by the Russian navy.
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Crimea bridge 'emergency' caused by Ukrainian surface drones, Russia says
“Ukraine’s tactics are surely inspiring to all navies,” said Shanghai-based military analyst Ni Lexiong. “They are demonstrating that control of the sea could be obtained without stronger warships.”
Halfway around the world, the Taiwan Strait has become a potential flashpoint that observers fear may draw in the United States. As relations with Beijing have soured, Taiwan, whose military muscle is clearly no match for that of the People’s Liberation Army, has increasingly looked to the US for weapons and support.
“All parties need to advance their own asymmetrical capabilities,” Ni said.
The Beijing scenario
