Update on the use of uncrewed and autonomous systems in the Ukraine war

Abstract: As the war in Ukraine nears a two-year mark, the use of uncrewed, autonomous and robotics systems has taken center stage in a conflict marked by fast technology adoption and rapid battlefield evolution. Both sides are fielding technologies developed by their defense-industrial enterprises, while at the same time incorporating commercial systems at an unprecedented pace. This presentation will discuss key combat aerial, ground and maritime autonomous systems developments by the Ukrainian and Russian militaries and will cover the emerging impact of Artificial Intelligence on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Bio: Mr. Samuel Bendett is an advisor with CNA's Strategy, Policy, Plans and Programs Division, where he is a member of the Russian military analysis team. He is also an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, and a Senior Associate (Non-resident) with CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program. His work involves research on Russian military technology developments; uncrewed, robotic, and autonomous military systems; and artificial intelligence. He is an honorary "Mad Scientist" with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Mad Scientist Initiative and a Russian military autonomy and artificial intelligence subject matter expert for the US Department of Defense's Defense Systems Information Analysis Center. Mr. Bendett's prior employment includes the US Department of Defense' National Defense University, where he worked on emerging and disruptive technologies for government response in crisis situations. His previous experience includes working for the U.S. Congress, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations on foreign policy, international conflict resolution, and defense and security issues. Mr. Bendett's analyses, views, and commentary on Russian military robotics and artificial intelligence capabilities appear in major domestic and international news and media outlets. He received an MA in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a BA in politics from Brandeis University.