The rise of ‘no-frills warfare’: how cheap tech is defeating “exquisite” weapons

Cheap drones and expendable munitions are increasingly overpowering expensive weapons by saturating defenses and degrading high-end platforms.

Recent wars in Ukraine and the Middle East show that scale, speed, and cost now matter more than technical sophistication alone.

FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other low-cost systems can damage tanks, aircraft, helicopters, and air defenses.

The trend is forcing militaries to rethink procurement, battlefield tactics, and air-defense strategy around economic warfare.