Wars in Ukraine and Iran show how drones and AI are changing combat

In short: Analysts say the wars in Ukraine and Iran are making modern war more dependent on drones, sensors, and AI, and they are speeding up how attacks are planned and carried out.

What's going on

The war in Ukraine is widely seen by military analysts as a real world test site for large, long, high intensity war between states. It has involved heavy use of artillery and major losses of vehicles and equipment, at levels many Western militaries had stopped expecting.

A major change is the sheer number of drones. Analysts say drone use has grown from hundreds to hundreds of thousands, and both sides are working toward producing drones in the millions each year. Drones are used to scout, to spot targets for artillery, and to carry explosives, including one way attack drones (like a disposable remote controlled bomb).

AI is also being used more directly in combat decisions. In simple terms, AI can help sort huge amounts of data from cameras, radios, satellites, and public online sources, then suggest what to hit first. The goal is to shorten the “sensor to shooter” time, meaning the time between spotting something and striking it.

In the ongoing 2026 Iran war, an analysis cited by Vision of Humanity says more than 13,000 targets had reportedly been struck by early April 2026, with AI used at several steps of targeting and assessment. Analysts say this can increase the pace of attacks, but it also raises concerns about mistakes and how much real human control remains.

What to watch

Expect more investment in air defenses and anti drone tools, plus more debate about rules for AI in warfare. Also watch how these conflicts affect oil prices and global politics, since those pressures can feed back into the wars themselves.

Source: NYTimes