Artillery remains vital in modern warfare, even with the rise of drones. Ukrainian forces effectively use traditional guns for sustained bombardments, while drones are employed for precision strikes.
According to a 2025 analysis by Small Wars Journal, artillery provides unmatched reliability and firepower in high-intensity combat.
Changing Battlefield
Drones account for around 75% of battlefield casualties in Ukraine, while artillery contributes about 20%, according to Euromaidan Press in June 2025.
Despite this trend, military commanders still prioritize conventional weapons for their decisive impact, demonstrating a shift in tactics rather than a diminished role for artillery.
Integration Strategy
Military experts stress the importance of integrating artillery and drones, noting that they complement each other. A July 2025 report by RUSI warns NATO against relying solely on drones instead of traditional firepower.
The most effective units utilize drones for target scouting and artillery for sustained fire, enhancing battlefield effectiveness.
Electronic Warfare Challenge
Electronic jamming is affecting drone and artillery operations on Ukrainian battlefields. VGI analysis shows that Russian systems disrupt Ukrainian drones on 2.4 and 5.8 GHz frequencies.
As a result, Ukrainian units often rely on analog backup systems when digital operations are hindered.
Artillery Limitations
Ukrainian artillery is facing considerable wear from constant use. A January 2025 report from The National Interest highlights that Ukraine consumes howitzer barrels faster than the U.S. can supply replacements.
After thousands of rounds, this degradation affects accuracy and poses safety risks for crews.
Drone Advantages
Drones are effective for precision targeting and real-time reconnaissance.
Ukrainian forces use jamming-resistant fiber-optic guided drones, which provide immediate targeting data to artillery units, improving strike accuracy and reducing ammunition waste.
Combined Operations
The most effective Ukrainian military units seamlessly integrate technology into their operations. According to analysis from CSIS, reconnaissance drones play a crucial role in identifying enemy positions, while artillery units deliver suppressive fire.
This coordinated approach results in what are known as “kill chains,” where the data gathered by reconnaissance drones directs artillery strikes and enables damage assessment and the potential for follow-up fire if necessary.
NATO Response
According to a June 2025 Reuters report, NATO plans to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, including 3.5% on core military capabilities.
This increase aims to fund drone programs and artillery modernization, highlighting their ongoing necessity.
Production Reality
As reported by United24 Media, Ukraine became a leading drone producer in 2024, manufacturing over 2 million FPV drones.
However, traditional ammunition production is still vital, as artillery offers area denial and suppressive fire that drones cannot achieve effectively at scale.
Weather Factor
Drones face challenges in adverse weather, whereas artillery remains effective.
According to Small Wars Journal, Ukrainian forces rely on mortars and howitzers during storms, fog, and electronic warfare, when drone operations become unreliable.
Training Requirements
Artillery crews require extensive training but provide consistent firepower once deployed. The Army War College notes that drone operators need continuous retraining as technology evolves rapidly.
Artillery skills transfer across different gun systems, while drone expertise becomes obsolete with each technological generation.
Cost Considerations
While individual drones cost less than artillery shells, sustained operations require massive quantities. Ukrainian data shows thousands of daily drone strikes.
Artillery provides more cost-effective area suppression, making it economically vital for prolonged conflicts despite higher per-round costs.
Logistical Needs
Artillery ammunition is easier to stockpile and transport than maintaining drone inventories. Congressional Research Service reports show established supply chains for 155mm shells.
Drone operations require constant technology updates, pilot training, and electronic components vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Future Warfare
Military doctrine increasingly emphasizes combined arms integration rather than technology replacement.
NATO’s 2025 multidomain operations doctrine, according to Defense.gov reporting, stresses coordination between traditional and emerging systems. Future success depends on seamless integration, not choosing sides between technologies.
Tactical Reality
Frontline experience proves that both systems complement each other effectively.
War on the Rocks analysis notes that while drones provide precision, they cannot match artillery’s psychological impact and area denial capabilities. Successful military operations require both precision strikes and overwhelming firepower.
Strategic Balance
The future belongs to militaries that master integration rather than replacement strategies.
Artillery provides the foundation of sustained combat power while drones add precision and intelligence. This balanced approach ensures operational effectiveness across diverse combat scenarios and technological environments.
Global Adoption
Nations worldwide are adopting drones and upgrading artillery, learning from Ukraine’s experience.
For example, the Czech military integrates drones at all levels, reflecting a global trend toward hybrid arsenals and flexible doctrine.
Legal and Ethical Angle
Integrating civilian and military digital infrastructure presents significant legal and ethical challenges. When civilian networks are utilized for military operations, they may inadvertently become targets, which complicates the distinction between combatants and non-combatants.
This convergence raises important concerns regarding the safety and security of civilian populations.
Changing Perceptions
Generational attitudes toward warfare are shifting. Younger soldiers and planners embrace technology, but seasoned experts stress the enduring value of traditional skills and systems.
This tension shapes training, doctrine, and operational culture.
Why It Matters Now
The enduring relevance of old-school artillery in the drone age signals the need for a balanced military strategy.
As technology evolves, blending legacy systems with innovation ensures operational effectiveness and resilience in unpredictable conflicts.