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The British Army is preparing a major doctrinal shift that places drones and autonomous systems at the center of its future combat operations. According to a report by The Times, the new strategy—referred to as “20-40-40″—outlines a transformation in military planning that prioritizes uncrewed assets over conventional platforms in order to reduce casualties and enhance battlefield effectiveness.
Under this concept, only 20% of traditional heavy platforms will be committed directly to frontline operations. These will operate from standoff positions after an initial wave of 40% expendable drones and munitions is deployed to disrupt enemy formations and degrade their defenses.
The final 40% of assets will consist of reusable uncrewed systems—primarily drones tasked with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations—to support precision targeting and situational awareness throughout the conflict.
This restructuring is expected to be formally detailed in the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, which is currently being finalized. British defense officials have cited the ongoing war in Ukraine as a critical influence on this new direction. The effectiveness of low-cost drones and electronic warfare tools on both sides of the conflict has highlighted the growing relevance—and urgency—of adapting to a drone-dominated battlefield. These developments have also underscored the risks of relying solely on traditional platforms in modern warfare.
By committing to an 80% uncrewed force structure, the UK aims to address several pressing challenges simultaneously: persistent recruitment shortfalls, dwindling ammunition supply, and the limitations of legacy training programs. The strategy also echoes evolving doctrines among NATO allies, including the United States, which are increasingly adopting drone-first approaches to reduce exposure to aerial threats and minimize equipment losses.
If implemented successfully, this shift marks a decisive turn in how Western militaries engage in high-intensity warfare: placing robotics, automation, and distributed systems at the heart of future conflict planning.
