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"Global Security No Longer Relies Solely on Fighter Jets": Valerii Zaluzhnyi on the Technological Foundations of Modern Warfare

The evolution of warfare in the 21st century has been deeply intertwined with advancements in technology. This shift has transformed battlefields into environments where artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and space technologies play pivotal roles. Four-star general Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief, highlighted many of these points during his address at Chatham House on October 17, 2024, emphasizing the changing nature of modern conflicts and their implications for global security.

Modern Warfare: From Fighter Jets to AI.

Zaluzhnyi underscored that contemporary wars are no longer confined to traditional methods of combat. “Global security no longer relies solely on fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and missiles,” he remarked, pointing to the significant role technology plays on today’s battlefield. AI and robotics have become integral to military operations, with nations developing sophisticated systems to achieve strategic advantages.

The shift from conventional warfare to technology-driven conflict is crucial not only for military effectiveness but also for the security of space domains. Satellite systems, space-based reconnaissance, and communication technologies are becoming indispensable, enhancing situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and secure communication between allies. The integration of these space technologies underscores their growing importance in global defense strategies.

The Role of the Collective West.

Zaluzhnyi also drew attention to the geopolitical dimension of modern conflicts, referencing the “collective West” as a group of democratic nations with advanced economies and security frameworks, like NATO. These countries, particularly those with strong space programs, are in a unique position to defend against new threats. However, the failure to proactively influence the global security system has allowed authoritarian regimes to capitalize on these technological gaps.

“The events in Ukraine are caused by the unwillingness of the collective West to influence the global security system,” he stated.


This highlights the need for Western countries to enhance their space defense capabilities, ensuring they can counter potential adversaries who leverage both terrestrial and space technologies to disrupt global stability.


Space as a Key Frontier in Modern Wars.

Space, once seen primarily as a domain for scientific exploration, has emerged as a critical theater in the modern technological war. Control over satellite constellations, cyber infrastructure, and missile defense systems now determines a nation's strategic superiority. Zaluzhnyi's mention of how modern wars ended in the summer of 2023 “with the introduction of robots, technology, and artificial intelligence on the battlefield” illustrates this shift. The implication is clear: dominance in space is directly tied to technological prowess on the ground.


The Threat from Authoritarian Alliances.

Zaluzhnyi warned that Russia’s coalition with China, North Korea, and Iran, combined with a potential expansion of the BRICS alliance, threatens the security and technological edge of Western democracies. This growing alliance could rapidly develop new technologies, including space-based assets, to challenge the West.

As he noted, “Russia has formed a coalition with China, North Korea, and Iran… the West is still afraid of escalation,” underscoring the urgency of bolstering both terrestrial and space defenses.



Future Challenges and Opportunities.

In his speech, Zaluzhnyi also touched on the long-term need for security guarantees. For Ukrainians, “a sense of self-security” involves the certainty that no one will threaten their nation for decades to come. These guarantees extend beyond Ukraine’s borders and apply to the broader international community. Space technology, with its potential to provide surveillance, early warning systems, and missile defense capabilities, will be essential in ensuring global security.

In conclusion, as Zaluzhnyi has made clear, the technological foundations of modern warfare cannot be ignored, especially when considering the vital role space plays in the defense of nations. The integration of AI, robotics, and space-based technologies into defense strategies will shape the future of warfare, and those who lead in these fields will secure their place in the global order.

Author: Nessa, Cyber Journalist

Source: https://www.holosameryky.com

Photo: https://wgntv.com

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