Ukraine Is Sending Drones to Russia That, When Captured, Infect Military Systems With Malware

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to two distinct developments in Kyiv. On one hand, despite significant investment in sophisticated and expensive weaponry, Ukraine has demonstrated that relatively simple and low-cost systems can be equally or even more effective. On the other, in the face of adversity, Ukraine has surprisingly created one of the most powerful domestic combat drone industries in the world.

The use of technology on the battlefield. From the start, the Russia-Ukraine war has been characterized by an intensive application of new technologies. Among them, drones have emerged as one of its most decisive instruments. However, a recent video circulating on social media, reportedly from Russian sources, has raised concern about a new front in the conflict. Ukraine is purportedly embedding malware in its drones to infect Russian systems.

Experts previously considered these types of cyberthreats to be minor because they targeted individual devices like computers. However, they now seem to attack entire networks. Their use on the battlefield marks a significant shift in the cyber dimension of the conflict.

Ukrainian malware. According to Forbes, the malware detected in Ukrainian drones is designed to serve specific functions. These include physically damaging USB ports, preventing system reflashing, and blocking drone reprogramming. More importantly, the malware would allow Ukraine to locate any new Russian operators if the drone is reused by Moscow.

These malicious codes are crafted to sabotage any attempt by the enemy to repurpose the drones. They disable the electronics of the devices and create vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely. In a context where both countries face resource constraints, limiting the enemy’s ability to reuse captured drones gives Ukraine a crucial strategic advantage.

Operational impact. Malware usage has immediate tactical implications. Russia analyzes captured enemy drones in detail to adapt its countermeasure systems, which requires manipulating their components and studying the software.

If these drones are protected with code that disables or compromises their systems when plugged in, the reverse-engineering process becomes slower, more complex, and ultimately riskier. This situation allows Ukraine to extend the operational lifespan of its drones before Moscow can develop effective countermeasures. Ukraine gains a vital advantage in an environment where technological innovation directly translates into tactical superiority.

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“Human” talent. The key to Ukraine’s successful strategies lies in its strong technology sector, which has demonstrated its dynamism and human expertise even before the war. With a solid foundation of software engineers and cybersecurity experts, Ukraine has effectively adapted civilian technologies for military use. The country has created asymmetric tools that require sophisticated technical skills rather than extensive physical resources.

The incorporation of malware into drones allows Ukraine to maximize the impact of existing resources, disrupting Russian operations without increasing the number of deployed devices.

A new cyber race in the conflict. Ukraine’s use of malware marks the beginning of a new phase in the battle for technological superiority. It’s reasonable to expect that Russia will respond with its own offensive technological developments, just as it’s previously occurred from both sides.

As a result, a cycle of escalation emerges. More advanced malware will necessitate stronger defenses, which in turn will be countered by even more sophisticated attacks. It’s likely that both sides will soon develop specific antivirus protections for their drones. They’ll also strengthen protocols for handling captured devices. Additionally, Russia and Ukraine will create new variants of malware designed to target command-and-control networks and establish backdoors for intelligence operations.

Technological consequences. In the last three years, both Russia and Ukraine have transformed their scientific ecosystems into instruments of war. Ukraine’s decision to integrate malware into its drones not only limits Russian capabilities but also redefines the struggle for technological supremacy in the conflict.

Moreover, this strategy has the potential to extend to other electronic devices, such as smart weapons, sensors, and communication systems. What began as an innovative tactic may solidify into a digital warfare doctrine, influencing the design, utilization, and safeguarding of all military equipment in the future.

The deployment of malware in Ukrainian drones exemplifies how modern warfare has transitioned into the realm of code. A small script can yield results comparable to a precise shot, but without the need for a single bullet.

Image | Ian Usher

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