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Drones have played a crucial and evolving role in the Russo-Ukrainian War. On June 1, Ukraine highlighted how drones are changing warfare, with a surprise attack deep into Russian territory that hit several air bases. Both sides in the war employ drones, so we asked four experts to identify an advantage that either Russia or Ukraine has in drone warfare, as both sides seek to gain an upper hand.Read more below.Dominika Kunertova Nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic CouncilUkraine has two important strategic advantages in drone warfare: better allies than Russia’s circle of frenemies and human ingenuity that would make SAS: Rogue Heroes proud. On the ground, Ukraine’s ability to leverage each operational domain for full-spectrum drone warfare approximates the robotic version of multi-domain operations. Diverse aerial drones are a standard kit of Ukrainian force units, compensating for unfavorable demographic figures and the relative lack of artillery. Surveillance and attack drones also work in tandem with maritime drones in area denial operations. Ukraine has made progress in tactical air-land uncrewed strike operations featuring weaponized ground vehicles and one-way-attack drones. The cyber and space enablers — real-time two-way satellite communications, well-connected sensors, and data fusion for joint situational awareness — radically increase the wartime value of Ukraine’s drones. Russia struggles to catch up with a digital backbone for drone operations akin to Ukraine’s Delta battlefield management system.Stacie Pettyjohn Senior fellow and director, Defense Program, at the Center for a New American SecurityAn enduring Russian advantage is its ability to scale all types of drone production. In sheer numbers, Ukraine surpassed Russia in 2024, building 2.5 million drones. But, as one Ukrainian soldier explained to me, most were “hamburger” — mass-produced first-person view drones made from cheap parts and easily countered. Russia is increasing output of its first-person view drones and has delivered more jam-resistant, fiber-optic first-person view drones to the battlefield. Since 2023, Russia