How military obsolescence and the "Drone Deal" are inadvertently ending U.S. reliance
OPINION
Europe has finally kicked away the crutch of U.S. military reliance, and stands, for the first time in nearly a century, proudly on its own two feet. A once desperate Ukraine—held hostage in 2019 by a heartless, transactional ego that saw a victim of unprovoked aggression as a mere bargaining chip—has been fundamentally transformed.
The helpless cub has grown into a full-grown bear: strong, self-reliant, and commanding in its defense. Having endured the indignity of Oval Office lectures and insults in the attempt to force a surrender to a murderous bully, Ukraine has emerged as an iconic beacon to the world.
The irony is priceless: Ukraine is no longer a recipient of charity; it is the undisputed master of asymmetrical warfare. From its "Drone Deal" to its frontline tactical software, it is now exporting security expertise to the very allies that once hesitated to help. The tables have turned—the free world no longer simply supports Ukraine; the free world needs Ukraine.
Putin’s days are numbered. His removal from power (or his demise) may very well give way to another great irony: Putin’s expansionist dream of a return to the empire of Catherine the Great may instead see Russia fragmenting its various okrugs and oblasts, each claiming independent rule. At this point, Russia will cease to be a military threat. (Of course, there is the danger of Russia's large nuclear arsenal falling in the hands of competing warlords for which the world must be prepared.)
Come January of 2029, a far brighter, more competent and experienced person will be sworn in as the Next U.S. president. The new POTUS will try to mend fences across the globe and will be well received; nevertheless, the U.S. will no longer be the indispensable shield against the world's bullies.
Bulk instruments of warfare: tanks, amphibious assault ships and massive aircraft carriers—wherein the U.S. has been so dominant—will become largely obsolete relics like old phonograph players. What nation would build a $2 billion guided-missile destroyer when a swarm of $500 drones could constitute a "mission kill," stripping its sensors and reducing it to billion-dollar driftwood? Just as the massive, lumbering chariot formations of the ancients eventually proved vulnerable to highly adaptable, terrain-savvy infantry, modern bloated navies are now sitting ducks for cheap, agile drone swarms.
Technical ingenuity used to craft the best drones and anti-drone defenses—relying heavily on AI—will prevail over traditional behemoths, and thus will level the playing field. Moreover, should a tiny nation be invaded by a much larger one (such as a China - Taiwan conflict), nations sworn to protect the free world will no longer need to wring their hands about sending boots on the ground, but would simply sell or gift countless, autonomous swarms of lethal drones. Ukraine has shown the world how David can defeat Goliath, and U.S. support will no longer be seen as essential.