lemonde.fr
Drone War in Ukraine: A Technological Arms Race
The article details the extensive use of drones in the Russo-Ukrainian war, highlighting the contrasting efforts of both sides in developing and deploying these weapons.
- What is the scale of drone usage in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine?
- The war in Ukraine has seen an unprecedented increase in the use of drones by both sides, with Ukraine losing an estimated 10,000 drones per month.
- What are the current statuses of domestic drone production efforts in Ukraine and Russia?
- Ukraine's indigenous drone production is growing, with the recent announcement of a domestically produced copy of a Russian Lancet drone. Russia's development is hampered by sanctions but it is building a factory to manufacture Iranian-designed kamikaze drones.
- What types of drones are primarily used by both sides, and what are their typical functions?
- Both sides primarily utilize inexpensive, readily available civilian drones for battlefield observation, troop guidance, and artillery fire adjustment. Some are modified to carry small explosive payloads.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the drone war as a technological competition between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing the quantitative aspects (numbers of drones lost and produced) rather than the ethical and strategic implications of this technology.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although the description of Ukrainian efforts as 'narg[ing] the enemy' could be considered slightly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Ukrainian and Russian perspectives and their drone usage, with less attention paid to the potential impact on civilians or the overall humanitarian crisis. It omits discussion of international efforts to limit or regulate the use of drones in the conflict.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the Ukrainian and Russian drone programs, without fully exploring the complexities of the international arms trade or the role of third-party suppliers.
Sustainable Development Goals
The widespread use of drones in the conflict exacerbates violence and instability, undermining peace and security. The development and use of these weapons also raises concerns about arms control and international law.