A New Way of Warfare Requires More Than New Tech

Militaries should be cautious not to overemphasize technology when learning from the war in Ukraine, as new systems like drones have not yet created a new way of warfare. In Ukraine, drones are primarily substituting for missing capabilities like artillery and have contributed to an attritional stalemate rather than a decisive outcome. Lasting change for NATO militaries will only come from integrating these new technologies with existing platforms and, more importantly, developing new doctrine and concepts through extensive experimentation. This process requires cultural evolution and should adapt lessons from the current conflict to specific future contexts, much like the historical development of combined arms or AirLand Battle doctrine.