The Revolution in Military Affairs: What's Ahead

Key points

• 0:00

  Drones replace humans in dangerous or high-cost military tasks.

• 0:00

  Search and rescue drones provide supplies and guide forces to injured personnel.

• 0:00

  Perch and stare drones park in locations to extend battery life while monitoring areas.

• 0:00

  Underwater swarms use small charges to disable expensive submarines.

• 2:14

  New technologies make previously needed capabilities efficient again.

• 2:14

  The military stopped preparing for peer adversaries after the Soviet era.

• 2:14

  Counterinsurgency wars caused air defense and mine hunting capabilities to atrophy.

• 2:14

  Suicide drones now replace manned planes for mine hunting and air suppression.

• 2:14

  Drones activate air defenses ahead of real bombers without risking human pilots.

• 4:40

  Coastal patrol capabilities are being rebuilt using fleets of drones.

Related episodes

6:23

The Revolution in Military Affairs: Series Intro

Peter Zeihan· 18 June 2025

The human race is about to experience a higher form of war. Countries must decide what they want and how big a technological jump they are willing to take.

5:04

Ukraine (And Everyone Else) Develops Glide Bombs

Peter Zeihan· 24 September 2025

The era of American strategic primacy with global reach is now over. It is now a question about managing the withdrawal and dealing with the consequences of that.

15:36

Why Modern Drones Scare Me FAR More Than Nukes Do

Paul J. Warburg· 5 July 2025

Western wishful thinking and failure to help Ukraine adequately allowed this terrifying technology to become a reality. Humanity must embrace this terrifying reality and take steps aligned with it rather than relying on fear or wishful thinking.

3:59

The Revolution in Military Affairs: Naval Advances

Peter Zeihan· 30 June 2025

Conventional naval warfare within 500 miles of the coast is obsolete, forcing a global rethink of maritime strategy. The era of easy coastal dominance is over, requiring nations to develop entirely new concepts for naval power.

8:08

The Future of Drone Tech: Hybrid Drones

Peter Zeihan· 15 June 2026

Hybrid drones have doubled Ukrainian strike range to 100 kilometers, making Russian force massing impossible. If Ukraine clears minefields during the summer offensive season, they will achieve a decisive tactical advantage.