Loitering Munitions And Its Role In Modern Warfare

This article is being written for the understanding of changing dynamics in modern warfare and the role of loitering munitions within them. Information may vary as per actual statistics and results.

Introduction:

A loitering munition (also known as a suicide drone, kamikaze drone, or exploding drone) is a kind of aerial weapon with a munition (warhead), which can loiter (wait passively) around the target area until a target is located; it then attacks the target by crashing into it. Loitering munitions enable faster reaction times against hidden targets that emerge for short periods without placing high-value platforms near the target area and also allow more selective targeting.

Present Use case:

The earliest use of loitering munitions systems can be traced back to the 1980’s for use in Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) against fixed Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) installations. With time, the role of these LMs grew for short range (2-15 kms), medium range (15-50 kms) and long range (50-100 kms) for various mission operations like anti-personnel, anti-bunker, anti-armour and the destruction of critical enemy assets like air bases, missile bases and other critical infrastructure.

Types of Warheads:

At present, multiple warheads are being used on loitering munitions which are either fixed to the platform or are interchangeable in nature depending on the type of mission. The following are some of the warheads mounted on LMs in warfare nowadays:

(a) High Explosive Fragmentation (HEFRAG) - a type of explosive that is designed to create a large number of fragments upon detonation. These fragments can cause significant damage to personnel and equipment. HEFRAG is commonly used in hand grenades, artillery shells, and other explosive devices. HEFRAG explosives typically consist of a high explosive core surrounded by a metal casing or tiny metallic shrapnel. When the explosive is detonated, the casing fragments or tiny metallic shrapnel are spread into numerous pieces, creating a lethal spray of shrapnel. The size and shape of the fragments can vary depending on the design of the explosive.

(b) Fuel Air Explosive (FAE) or Thermobaric Explosive - is a type of non-nuclear explosive that utilises oxygen from the surrounding air to generate an intense blast wave. works by first dispersing a cloud of flammable material, such as a fine powder or liquid fuel, into the air. This cloud of fuel then mixes with the surrounding atmospheric oxygen to form a highly combustible mixture. When the mixture is ignited, it creates a rapid and intense increase in pressure, resulting in a powerful blast wave and a high-temperature explosion. The unique characteristic of FAEs is their ability to generate a longer duration of blast and heat compared to conventional explosives. This makes them particularly effective against enclosed or fortified targets, as the sustained blast and heat can penetrate into confined spaces and cause extensive damage. Due to their destructive capabilities, FAEs have been used in various military applications for targeting bunkers, caves, and other fortified structures.

(c) High Explosive Anti-Tank Warhead (HEAT) - is a type of munition designed to penetrate armoured vehicles, such as tanks, by directing a focused explosive force towards the target. The warhead typically consists of a shaped charge that uses the Munroe effect to create a high-velocity jet of metal, which can penetrate the armour of the target. When the HEAT warhead detonates, the shaped charge directs the explosive energy into a small area, creating a high-velocity metal jet that can pierce through the armour of the target. This type of warhead is effective against armoured vehicles due to its ability to concentrate a powerful force on a specific point, enabling it to defeat the protective armour. HEAT warheads have been widely used in anti-tank missiles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and other antiarmour munitions, making them an important component of modern anti-tank warfare.

(d) Inert Warhead- An inert warhead is a non-explosive and non-functional version of a warhead that is used for training, testing, or display purposes. It is designed to replicate the size, weight, and external characteristics of an actual warhead without containing any explosive or hazardous materials. Inert warheads are often used in military training exercises to simulate the handling and loading of live munitions without the associated risks. In addition to training purposes, inert warheads may also be employed for equipment testing, such as verifying the compatibility of weapon systems or conducting aerodynamic evaluations. Furthermore, inert warheads can be utilised for public education, museum displays, or as part of historical exhibits to showcase military technology without posing any danger. Overall, inert warheads serve as valuable tools for various applications where the replication of a real warhead's physical attributes is necessary, while eliminating the potential hazards associated with live munitions.

Loitering Munitions used in Warfare:

(a) 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, both Azerbaijan and Armenia utilised drones for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and targeted strikes. The use of drones, including both unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions, played a significant role in the conflict by providing real-time situational awareness and the ability to conduct precision strikes on enemy positions. Azerbaijan, in particular, employed a variety of drones, including Israeli-made drones such as the Harop loitering munition, as well as Turkish-made drones like the Bayraktar TB2. These drones were used for surveillance, target acquisition, and conducting precision strikes on Armenian positions, including artillery emplacements and other military assets. Armenia also utilised drones for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes, but to a lesser extent compared to Azerbaijan. The use of drones by both sides demonstrated the evolving role of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare, showcasing their ability to gather intelligence, conduct precision strikes, and influence the operational dynamics of the conflict. The 2016 Nagorno- Karabakh conflict highlighted the increasing importance of drone technology in asymmetric warfare and its impact on military tactics and strategies.

(b) Russia-Ukraine War - Both Russia and Ukraine have used loitering munitions successfully in the current war. “Despite their small size, loitering munitions have achieved big results in the Ukrainian large-scale war of attrition,” noted by an unnamed defence analyst. This assessment highlights that these relatively low-cost weapons are destroying high value and expensive targets, such as air defense radars and missiles, as well as other important targets. The analyst identifies four types of combat missions that loitering munitions have performed in Ukraine. The first is SEAD, the suppression of enemy air defenses. “Since both sides lack relatively effective electronic interference capabilities, it is difficult to guarantee the safety of manned fighter aircraft,” the author notes. “In addition, anti-radiation missiles are in short supply, making it impossible to carry out air defense suppression operations according to the U.S. military's 'wild weasel tactics.'” (“Wild weasel” refers to SEAD tactics first developed by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.) This has made loitering munitions “the first choice for both sides to perform air defense suppression operations.” Loitering munitions often use composite materials; they are small in size, slow in speed, and have a weak doppler effect. Even if they are detected by radar, they are often filtered out as clutter, such as birds.” A second mission is described as “counter artillery operations.” As the war has transitioned from one of maneuver to more-static trench warfare, the use of artillery has become more important. Both sides are making greater use of pre-launched loitering munitions to conduct patrols and reconnaissance in areas where enemy artillery may be deployed, to hunt and kill them once discovered. The third primary mission is targeting armored vehicles. This analysis finds that, overall, main battle tanks are much harder for loitering munitions to destroy than more lightly armored vehicles. The Switchblade-300 loitering munitions provided by the United States are largely inadequate for attacking hardened and armored targets. “The warhead is only equivalent to a grenade, and it is difficult to completely damage large, armored targets,” the analyst states. “Therefore, the Ukrainian army's loitering munitions have a mediocre record in anti-armor operations.” The final mission set is strikes on moving targets (infantry) on the front lines. Once again, Russia's and Ukraine's tactical use of loitering munitions has differed: Compared with the Russian army's use of loitering munitions, which mainly attack large targets, the Ukrainian army's loitering munitions are more likely to be used for hunting moving [human] targets on the front line. The analyst concludes that the Switchblades have been ineffective in this role as well. “Due to the limited firepower of the Switchblade-300, once the Russian soldiers take cover in their trenches or a bunker, it is difficult for the Switchblade-300 to achieve an effective kill

Comparative analysis of asset costs vs Loitering Munitions

Sr. No.	Average Cost of 1 set of Loitering Munition (Contains 5 platforms for best case precision and damage) (In USD)	Name of Equipment/Asset	Average cost of Equipment/ Asset (In USD)
1.	45,000 - 55,000	Troops/ Men	140,000
2.	45,000 - 55,000	Infantry Mobility Vehicles	300,000
3.	45,000 - 55,000	Light Armoured Vehicles	800,000
4.	150,000 - 200,000	Armoured Combat Vehicles	1,800,000
5.	150,000 - 200,000	Battle Tanks	4,500,000
6.	150,000 - 200,000	Self-Propelled Artillery Systems	2,500,000
7.	150,000 - 200,000	Air Defence Systems	80,000,000
8.	150,000 - 200,000	Air Surveillance Radar Systems	40,000,000
9.	45,000 - 55,000	Troops/ Men	140,000
10.	150,000 - 200,000	Arms and Ammunition Depot	20,000,000

Conclusion:

In conclusion, loitering munitions have emerged as a game-changing asset in modern warfare, offering unprecedented flexibility, precision, and effectiveness on the battlefield. Their ability to loiter over the target area, identify and engage high-value targets with minimal collateral damage, and provide realtime intelligence makes them a valuable tool for military forces around the world. As we continue to witness rapid advancements in technology and warfare tactics, the role of loitering munitions is expected to expand, further shaping the future of military operations and strategic decision-making. While their deployment raises ethical and legal considerations, there is no denying the significant impact of loitering munitions on the contemporary battlefield, and their continued development and integration into military arsenals will undoubtedly influence the nature of warfare in the years to come.

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