Modern warfare has fundamentally changed. Today, cheap sensors, electronic warfare, and precision strikes make it easy to destroy concentrated forces. Consequently, the modern battlefield heavily favors the defender.
However, a new CSIS report argues that technology can tilt the balance back. Specifically, networked formations of low-cost systems known as military drone swarms can sense, deceive, jam, and strike enemies. Above all, these formations converge effects without concentrating physical troops. Therefore, they force defenders to waste expensive interceptors, reveal hidden positions, and lose situational awareness.
To employ these tactics effectively, the report proposes a three-part framework: set conditions, pulse, and consolidate and transition. Furthermore, it illustrates these phases using Ukraine’s 2024 Kursk offensive. In addition, the study applies this framework to three hypothetical scenarios. These include breaking air defenses in Kaliningrad, contesting sea control in the South China Sea, and penetrating NATO’s eastern flank. Across all missions, launched effects emerge as the most practical way to scale operations.
Nevertheless, buying drones alone is not enough. Swarms become decisive only when joint forces generate affordable mass and sustain repeated attacks before adversaries recover. Consequently, the report offers fourteen recommendations for the Pentagon and Congress. These proposals include establishing joint swarming task forces, utilizing modular open systems, and ensuring allied interoperability.
Ultimately, building this operational architecture is essential for modern militaries. Therefore, mastering military drone swarms will determine future success in global defense operations.
Reference:
Jensen, B. (2026, October 14). The Art of Swarming. CSIS. The Art of Swarming