Grow Ukraine’s Airpower Impact By Integrating Manned/Unmanned Systems
Key takeaways
- Aerospace & Defense Grow Ukraine’s Airpower Impact By Integrating Manned/Unmanned Systems By David A.
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- For the entire war, Ukraine has fought without the kind of modern air force the United States and NATO would consider essential to large-scale combat operations.
Aerospace & Defense Grow Ukraine’s Airpower Impact By Integrating Manned/Unmanned Systems By David A. Deptula,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write on defense, strategy, the profession of arms, and aerospace.Follow Author Jun 30, 2026, 06:30am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary Ukraine is demonstrating that airpower's true measure lies in its effects, not simply applying aircraft in traditional roles. Lacking a modern air force, Kyiv employs an innovative "kill web" of sensors, drones, and limited Western aircraft to execute effective air interdiction. This strategy is systematically disrupting Russian logistics and command, turning assets like Crimea into liabilities. By imposing costs and stretching Russian defenses, Ukraine aims to dismantle Moscow's attrition-based war model. The integration of uninhabited aircraft with crewed fighters can create a powerful, asymmetric advantage that changes the character of the war—and may hasten its termination. Allies must support this integrated approach with weapons and by lifting restrictions on Russian targets.
Ukrainian F-16 and UAVUkraine Ministry of DefenceBackground Ukraine is demonstrating something every security leader should understand: airpower is not defined by the platform that delivers it—it is defined by the effects it creates.