Machine-Speed Warfare: When Drones Decide Faster Than Humans

Drones do not get tired, do not hesitate, and do not ask whether escalation is politically wise. They simply execute.

Drones during a military training exercise in Germany on Nov. 21, 2025. Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images

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On June 1, 2025, 117 quadcopters—total cost under $120,000—flew from hidden launchers inside Russia and crippled 10 strategic bombers across five air bases in a single morning. Operation Spiderweb, as Ukraine called it.