Foxholes vs. Drones: Expert Explains Why Fortifications Are Ineffective in Modern Warfare

Military expert Oleh Starikov commented on a Wall Street Journal report claiming there are few fortifications and no minefields in the Sumy region, and explained whether these defenses are truly necessary in the context of modern warfare, Politeka reports.

He shared his analysis on his channel.

“Minefields and fortifications don’t play a major role anymore. Why? Because warfare has taken on an entirely different form. What we saw two years ago, even a year ago, is no longer relevant—the tactics have completely changed. Drones have revolutionized warfare. Now, every drone equals one soldier,” Starikov noted.

Because of this, the expert emphasized that the key priority today is training FPV drone operators—a highly specialized role not everyone can master. He explained that this requires a vestibular system like that of a pilot, because spatial awareness is essential.

To counter aerial threats like drones, Starikov explained, defenders or attackers must find individual hiding spots—what are commonly referred to as foxholes. A well-constructed fortification costing a million hryvnias or dollars can be easily destroyed by drones, so the key is finding the right position.

“That’s why criticism from some government officials, journalists, or experts who say, ‘fortifications weren’t built, minefields weren’t laid’—all of that depends on the specific location and the direction of the threat,” Starikov concluded.


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