Ukraine: A Crucible for Modern Warfare and the Enduring Relevance of the NLAW
The conflict in Ukraine is proving to be a stark and sobering demonstration of modern warfare, challenging pre-existing doctrines and revealing new vulnerabilities.
While it is premature to declare a definitive "new paradigm," several trends emerging from the conflict indicates the continued evolution of character of war.
The obvious additions include widespread use of drones, powerful new and rapidly evolving electronic warfare and cyber capabilities, and the exploitation of social media and global news. At the same time, however, the conflict has underscored the continued relevance of systems like the NLAW in the battle against massed armour.
A key takeaway is the return to a very attritional form of warfare. Despite predictions of swift, decisive cyber and information-dominated conflict, the reality on the ground has been a brutal, visceral war of attrition, with heavy reliance on artillery, infantry, and armoured vehicles. This highlights the enduring importance of conventional military capabilities, even in the face of technological advancements.
The conflict has also showcased the power that weapons can give the dismounted soldier. Ukraine's effective use of man-portable anti-tank weapons like the NLAW has inflicted significant losses on Russian armoured forces, demonstrating the vulnerability of even technologically advanced militaries to determined, well-equipped troops on the ground. It repeated an old theme: there is advantage to be gained in systems that empower smaller units to engage and defeat high-value targets.
At the same time, the conflict has underscored the importance of information warfare and public perception. Ukraine's success in leveraging social media and international support has been crucial in shaping the narrative surrounding the conflict. This highlights the need for militaries to be adept at not only winning battles but also winning the information war.
The NLAW, with its combination of portability, ease of use, and lethality, has proven to be a game-changer in the Ukrainian conflict. Its effectiveness against Russian armour has demonstrated the continued relevance of anti-tank weapons in modern warfare.
While the long-term implications of the Ukraine conflict are still unfolding, it is clear that the nature of warfare is evolving. The conflict serves as a stark reminder that militaries must adapt to these changes, investing in systems like the NLAW that provide a decisive edge in the face of emerging threats.
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