Warfare of unmanned systems. Technological revolution and the systemic impasse of the state. Speed defines edge

The debate dedicated to unmanned systems clearly demonstrated that contemporary armed conflicts are escaping traditional analytical categories. Drones are no longer a supplementary element of conventional military capabilities; they have become one of the key pillars of the operational environment, spanning all domains: air, land, and sea.

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22 april 2026 | 10:31 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

fot. Krzysztof Miłosz / Akademia Marynarki Wojennej

At the opening of the panel, Jarosław Wolski highlighted a characteristic tension present in the Polish strategic discourse. On the one hand, there is a belief that the Ukrainian experience has limited applicability to NATO states, as it stems from the specifics of a so-called "poor man’s war". On the other hand, there exists a narrative that attributes almost revolutionary, decisive importance to unmanned systems, treating them as a universal instrument of warfare.

Wolski emphasized that both perspectives are oversimplifications. The operational reality has changed far more profoundly, and, more importantly, this transformation is occurring faster than institutions are able to adapt.

The Ukrainian front: a technology-saturated environment

The most vivid picture of the modern battlefield was presented by Tomasz Darmoliński, whose conclusions are based on extensive experience in Ukraine. His account clearly shows that we are dealing with an entirely new operational environment.

As he noted, within a relatively small area there is an unprecedented concentration of unmanned systems. In practice, this means that every fragment of the front is under constant surveillance and potential engagement by the adversary.

On a single square kilometer, hundreds of drones may operate simultaneously. This is no longer a form of combat support; it is the environment in which combat itself takes place.

Describing the structure of operations, Darmoliński pointed to the complexity of the system. Airborne, ground-based, and—depending on the sector—naval platforms operate in parallel. Each unit possesses its own assets, while specialized formations conduct strike or assault missions.

Operational reality is characterized by mass use of drones, often coordinated with other means of firepower. However, this does not indicate the dominance of one category of weapon over others.

It is not the case that drones have replaced artillery or heavy equipment. All components remain necessary. What has changed is the manner in which they are employed.

A particularly important shift concerns the nature of losses. As he stressed, the greatest threat is no longer direct contact with the enemy, but movement within the operational zone itself.

Most casualties occur before a soldier reaches their position. This represents a fundamental transformation in the understanding of the battlefield.

Between media representation and operational reality

An important issue raised by Tomasz Darmoliński was the divergence between the media image of war and its actual course.

He noted that materials published online are selective and often serve informational or propaganda purposes. They do not fully reflect the scale of chaos, volatility, and pressure that accompany combat operations.

He described the battlefield as a "living organism" that does not tolerate mistakes and enforces continuous adaptation. In such an environment, the speed of response and the ability to rapidly implement new solutions become critical.

Unmanned systems as part of a larger whole

Jarosław Wolski drew attention to an aspect often overlooked in analyses: drones do not operate independently. Their effectiveness depends on the entire system, including communications, command structures, and data processing.

Without efficient battlefield management systems, even the most advanced platforms lose their operational value. In this context, he highlighted challenges facing the Polish Armed Forces.

While modern BMS systems are being developed, significant gaps remain at the tactical level. An additional issue is dependence on foreign solutions, which are not always fully controlled by the user.

Communications: the backbone of the modern army

A key element of the entire system is communications. Tomasz Darmoliński stated unequivocally that without it, the current model of operations would not be possible.

Satellite systems constitute the foundation. Without them, maintaining operational coherence is impossible.

He emphasized that what matters is not only access to infrastructure but also the method of its use. Ukraine has developed a model in which terminals are centrally managed, and data flow has been significantly increased.

This has enabled the implementation of new operational concepts, including remote platform control and data-driven operations based on constant information access.

At the same time, battlefield experience has forced the development of backup systems. The Ukrainian armed forces are building alternative solutions to ensure continuity of operations in case of disruption or loss of satellite connectivity.

Polish science: between potential and constraints

Reserve Colonel Dr. hab. inż. Sławomir Augustyn noted that while unmanned systems offer significant opportunities, their use is constrained by numerous technical and organizational limitations.

He pointed to operational issues such as range, endurance, and susceptibility to jamming. He also emphasized the importance of procedures which, in civilian contexts, ensure safety but in military applications can significantly slow down deployment processes.

A particularly important distinction exists between a technology demonstrator and an operational system. Transitioning between these stages requires compliance with a wide range of formal requirements, which in practice extends development timelines.

The perspective of the Gdańsk University of Technology

Dr. hab. inż. Mirosław Gerigk confirmed that the issue does not lie in research capability. Polish science is capable of rapidly developing new solutions and bringing them to the demonstrator stage.

The key challenge arises at the next stage—transitioning to prototypes and operational deployment. Procurement procedures, formal requirements, and decision-making constraints result in a loss of project momentum.

Mirosław Gerigk stressed that the current situation requires a change in approach. In his view, it is necessary to shorten decision-making pathways and introduce greater flexibility in defense project execution.

The Ukrainian model: speed as an advantage

In contrast to the Polish system, the Ukrainian model is based on minimizing innovation cycles. Tomasz Darmoliński pointed out that projects have clearly defined timeframes, and their continuation depends on real-world performance.

If something does not work within a few months, it makes no sense to continue its development. Alternative solutions must be sought.

A key feature of this model is the direct link between users and manufacturers. The battlefield acts as a testing environment, and improvement processes occur in real time.

Industry: diagnosis of a systemic crisis

The most critical assessment of the situation was presented by Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dr. Jarosław Kraszewski. His remarks reflected frustration stemming from experience in the private sector.

He pointed out that despite existing technological potential, the procurement system in Poland does not allow for its effective utilization. Decision-making processes are lengthy, and cooperation with the private sector remains limited.

Many initiatives end at the testing or demonstration stage, without progressing to actual procurement. As a result, companies seek development opportunities abroad.

New technologies: the direction of autonomy

Tomasz Sieńko outlined technological development trends, focusing on artificial intelligence and autonomy.

He noted that current neural network-based recognition systems are limited, as they require prior training on specific objects. Meanwhile, the battlefield environment is far more complex and unpredictable.

Developments are underway toward systems capable of identifying targets in a more flexible manner, closer to human perception. At the same time, work continues on low-altitude autonomous flight systems, which significantly reduce platform detectability.

The maritime domain: dynamics of the civil sector

Wojciech Rytlewski pointed out that in the maritime domain, unmanned technology development is driven primarily by the civilian sector. Commercial companies operate at a significantly faster pace than state structures.

Design and testing cycles are shorter, and decisions are made more rapidly. As a result, new solutions reach the market within weeks or months.

At the same time, these technologies are dual-use in nature, meaning they can be relatively easily adapted for military applications.

Systemic constraints

The panel discussions revealed a coherent picture of structural problems limiting the development of unmanned systems in Poland. The most significant include lengthy procedures, lack of integration between institutions, and limited organizational flexibility.

Another important factor is the perception of the private sector, which is often treated with skepticism, despite being a major source of innovation.

Time as a critical resource

The most important conclusion from the discussion is the role of time as a decisive factor in operational advantage. Modern warfare requires rapid adaptation and continuous improvement of capabilities.

Tomasz Darmoliński summarized this point clearly, stating that any system unable to reduce its deployment cycle to a matter of months loses its competitive relevance.

Will Poland seize the opportunity?

The panel on unmanned systems clearly demonstrated that technology is no longer the primary limitation. Poland possesses the competencies required to develop advanced solutions.

The main problem lies in the state’s ability to implement them.

Without reform of decision-making structures, simplification of procedures, and meaningful integration of the private sector, the gap between potential and practice will continue to widen. In a rapidly evolving battlefield environment, this translates into a loss of adaptive capacity.

And this, as the Ukrainian experience has shown, may ultimately determine the outcome of future conflicts.