Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine's defense industry was mainly dominated by the government and large defense contractors, with limited defense innovation capabilities and insufficient voice in the field of military technology. However, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict acted like a heavy blow, forcing Ukraine to embark on a rapid transformation in the field of defense technology, quickly becoming a globally watched center of innovation. In particular, breakthroughs in aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems have profoundly changed the situation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, providing valuable reference samples for other countries, including China.
In 2022, Ukraine had almost no independent R&D capability in the field of drones. But by 2023, the rise of crossing drones marked that Ukraine began mass-producing its own drones, which significantly improved its reconnaissance and strike capabilities on the battlefield. These drones are manufactured through a decentralized production network, with small workshops across the country producing FPV bodies, followed by the integration of electronic devices, cameras, and other components at coordination points. This efficient production model allows drones to be quickly deployed to the battlefield, posing a continuous threat to Russian military targets. The widespread application of 3D printing technology further enhanced production efficiency, especially in the manufacturing of small interception drones, enabling Ukraine to promptly respond to Russian air offensives.
Additionally, significant progress made by Ukraine in the fields of ground unmanned vehicles and maritime unmanned boats has become an important factor in changing the battlefield landscape. For example, a ground unmanned vehicle developed by a Ukrainian company, through optimizing the track design, can transport wounded personnel and resist attacks from crossing drones in complex terrains, greatly improving the survival capabilities and logistics support efficiency of the Ukrainian army on the battlefield. Ukraine's maritime unmanned boats have demonstrated the potential to counter enemy ships without naval support, repeatedly striking Russian naval forces and undermining Russia's control over the relevant sea areas.
Ukraine's defense technology production system has enabled it to quickly respond to battlefield needs during the conflict, significantly influencing the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This also provides enlightenment for China to optimize its defense production and procurement system. By fully utilizing international supply chains, decentralized production networks, and 3D printing technology, Ukraine achieved a leap from zero to millions of interception drones.
Ukraine shortened its procurement cycle to three to four months and granted frontline units direct purchasing rights. This flexibility enables technology to rapidly move from test sites to the battlefield, timely compensating for equipment losses on the battlefield and responding to changes in the enemy's tactics. In contrast, traditional Western defense procurement cycles last several years, making them difficult to adapt to the rapid changes of modern battlefields.
Ukraine's innovative speed is also reflected in its rapid response to the "Shahed" drones of Russia. When Russia improved the flight altitude and coordination ability of the "Shahed", Ukraine quickly developed new interceptors, and some companies have successfully deployed anti-drone systems. All of this relies on close collaboration with frontline troops, with technology continuously iterated and improved in real combat scenarios.
During the process of national defense science and technology research and development in China, it should strengthen the practical connection with the troops, conduct technological research and development and iterative upgrades according to actual combat scenarios and needs, focus on developing low-cost, high-performance equipment to adapt to the consumption characteristics of modern warfare, while enhancing the adaptability of equipment in complex environments and the operational adjustment capabilities of soldiers.
In the reform of China's defense procurement system, it can learn from this rapid response mechanism, simplify the procurement process, establish a more flexible and efficient procurement channel, and at the same time utilize China's complete industrial system and strong production capacity to build a production network combining decentralization and centralization, ensuring the rapid production and supply of equipment in emergency situations.
The innovative model of Ukraine indicates that future wars will not only be a contest of high-end weapons, but also wars led by low-cost, high-impact unmanned systems. China's industrial capacity is leading globally. If we can learn from Ukraine's defense innovation experience, it will further enhance our national defense strength.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538627819564417546/
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