Drone warfare and the psyche: Markus Reisner addresses military psychologists – "War has changed radically"

How drone warfare has transformed the battlefield was the focus of a lecture by Colonel (General Staff) Markus Reisner. On 10 April, at the 80th conference of military psychologists at the Ministry of Defence in Vienna, he painted a vivid picture of modern war – with particular attention to the dramatic changes triggered by the mass use of drones.

The central finding of the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) officer was that the character of war has fundamentally changed. Using the war in Ukraine as an example, Reisner explained that classic forms of combat are increasingly disappearing and giving way to new, technology-driven patterns. Large mechanised attacks, as still seen at the start of the conflict, today often end with massive losses (-> Sharp criticism after armoured assault near Pokrovsk). This is due above all to minefields, precise artillery and, first and foremost, drones (-> Latest figures from the drone war in Ukraine).

According to Reisner, drones are now ubiquitous and decisive on the battlefield. Cheap systems costing only a few hundred euros are used in large numbers; they allow constant reconnaissance and the targeted engagement of individual soldiers. The core message was: "There are hardly any ways left to hide".

As a consequence, both sides are increasingly relying on small, mobile units with the lowest possible signature (-> How Russia wants to break through the front with motorcycle assault groups). Fighting increasingly takes the form of a kind of "distributed warfare", in which speed, adaptability and the integration of technology are decisive.

What drone warfare does to the psyche

In keeping with the setting of the event, Reisner went into the psychological consequences of this development with particular urgency. Because drones can deliberately track and engage individual soldiers, a permanent threat arises that causes enormous stress and severe trauma. This effect is further amplified by the fact that such combat footage is visible on social media and spreads widely.

Reisner also made clear that the changes are not limited to the classic battlefield. War has long since reached the information space as well; it is increasingly turning into a hybrid conflict that also affects Western societies.

In the end, he was certain: more than a regional conflict, the war in Ukraine is a textbook example of how wars will be fought in future – with far-reaching consequences for armed forces, training and society.