Cheap Weapons Reshape the Character of War
.By R. N. Prasher
Railguns, nuclear-powered missiles and laser weapons
could make sustained conflict more affordable.
The protracted and apparently intractable Ukraine war has given a clear lesson to weapon strategists worldwide – missiles in their present form as offensive and defensive weapons serve as a deterrent only when tipped with nuclear weapons. When these carry conventional warheads, their cost as mere delivery systems is prohibitive and unsustainable in a long-drawn war.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been sustaining the hostilities mainly with drones, while missiles have made only occasional appearances. Ballistic and cruise missiles have been used, but the frequency of use has been falling due to high cost of replacements.
Instead, drones have been rapidly repurposed to meet the needs of air and marine assault. Comically, expensive missiles have been used at times to neutralise these inexpensive drones.
Meanwhile, a trio of new technologies has debuted as an answer to this conundrum.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/11/25/cheap_weapons_reshape_the_character_of_war_1149450.html
