The Use of Autonomous Systems and Distributed Warfare in NATO and Ukrainian Strategies

北約與烏克蘭策略中自主系統與分佈式戰爭的應用

Jul 8, 2026, 18:21

Introduction

NATO is currently building a digital defense network along its eastern border, while Ukraine is using a strategy focused on repeatedly disrupting Russian logistics.

北約目前正沿著其東部邊界構建數位防禦網絡，而烏克蘭則採取專注於反覆擾亂俄羅斯後勤的策略。

Main Body

The Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) marks a change in strategy, moving from punishing an enemy to preventing an attack entirely. This system uses a 'Kill Web'—a connected network of satellites, sensors, and artificial intelligence—to find and stop enemy forces before traditional ground troops are deployed. By using Palantir's Maven Smart System as a central hub, NATO can coordinate data from different companies to see, decide, and strike faster. Consequently, this approach uses unmanned systems as the first line of defense to protect traditional tanks and aircraft.

「東翼威懾計劃」(EFDI) 標誌著策略的轉變，從懲罰敵人轉向完全防止攻擊。此系統利用一個「殺戮網」(Kill Web)——一個由衛星、感測器與人工智慧組成的連接網絡——在傳統地面部隊部署之前，找出並阻止敵軍。透過將 Palantir 的 Maven 智能系統作為中央樞紐，北約可以協調來自不同公司的數據，以更快速地觀察、決定並打擊。因此，這種方法將無人系統作為第一線防禦，以保護傳統的坦克與飛機。

At the same time, Ukrainian military methods show the success of 'adaptation warfare.' By using drones and commercial communication tools like Starlink, Kyiv has put constant pressure on Russian fuel depots and supply centers. Instead of trying to win with one single large attack, this strategy focuses on causing continuous small disruptions. The goal is to weaken the enemy's ability to move forward by systematically destroying their energy and supply chains.

與此同時，烏克蘭軍方的手段展現了「適應戰爭」的成功。透過使用無人機與 Starlink 等商業通訊工具，基輔對俄羅斯的燃料庫與供應中心施加持續壓力。此策略並非試圖透過單次的大型攻擊獲勝，而是專注於造成持續的小規模擾亂。其目標是透過系統性地摧毀對方的能源與供應鏈，削弱敵人向前推進的能力。

In response, Russia has started using countermeasures to protect itself. For example, they are using civilian vehicles for military transport and installing electronic warfare systems, such as the Volna Kupol Garant, to disrupt satellite communications. However, the ability to update software and tactics quickly remains the most important factor for success. This suggests that technological flexibility is now more important than having a large number of traditional weapons.

對此，俄羅斯已開始採取對抗措施以保護自身。例如，他們使用民用車輛進行軍事運輸，並安裝如 Volna Kupol Garant 等電子戰系統，以干擾衛星通訊。然而，快速更新軟體與戰術的能力仍是成功的最重要因素。這顯示出，目前的技術靈活性比擁有大量傳統武器更為重要。

Conclusion

NATO is making AI-driven defense a standard part of its operations, while Ukraine continues to improve a model of distributed, software-based warfare against Russian forces.

北約正將 AI 驅動的防禦納為其行動的標準部分，而烏克蘭則持續改良一套針對俄軍的分佈式、軟體化戰爭模式。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Power Shift' in Vocabulary: Moving from A2 to B2

An A2 student describes things as they are. A B2 student describes how things change and influence each other. The secret in this text is the use of Dynamic Result Verbs and Causal Connectors.

🧩 The 'Logic Bridge'

Look at this sentence: "Consequently, this approach uses unmanned systems... to protect traditional tanks."

At A2, you would say: "NATO uses drones. So, the tanks are safe." At B2, we use Consequently. This word doesn't just mean 'so'; it tells the reader that there is a logical, professional result of a specific strategy.

Try substituting these in your mind:

Instead of 'So' $\rightarrow$ Use Consequently or Therefore.
Instead of 'Because' $\rightarrow$ Use Due to (e.g., Due to the use of drones, logistics are disrupted).

🛠️ The Concept of 'Systematic' Action

Notice the phrase: "systematically destroying their energy and supply chains."

The B2 Upgrade:

A2 level: "They destroy the fuel depots many times." (Simple repetition)
B2 level: "They systematically destroy the supply chains." (This implies a plan, a method, and a goal).

When you use adverbs like systematically, continuously, or entirely, you stop describing simple actions and start describing strategies. This is the hallmark of B2 fluency.

🚀 Quick Transformation Guide

A2 Expression (Basic)	B2 Expression (Advanced)	Why it works
A big change	A marked change	'Marked' suggests it is visible and significant.
To stop someone	To deter someone	'Deter' means to stop someone before they try.
Working together	Coordinating data	'Coordinating' implies organization and precision.

Vocabulary Learning

disrupting (v.)

Interrupting an event, activity, or process by causing a disturbance or problem.

Example:The protesters were arrested for disrupting the public meeting.

deterrence (n.)

The act of discouraging an action or event through fear of the consequences.

Example:The presence of a strong military serves as a deterrence against foreign invasion.

deployed (v.)

To move troops or equipment into position for military action.

Example:The government deployed additional police officers to maintain order during the festival.

coordinate (v.)

To organize different elements of a complex activity so that they work together effectively.

Example:We need to coordinate our efforts to finish the project on time.

adaptation (n.)

The process of changing something to make it suitable for a new use or situation.

Example:The adaptation of the novel into a movie took several years.

systematically (adv.)

Doing something according to a fixed plan or system; methodically.

Example:The researchers systematically analyzed every piece of evidence.

countermeasures (n.)

Actions taken to counteract or offset a danger or a threat.

Example:The company implemented new security countermeasures to prevent data leaks.

flexibility (n.)

The ability to change or be changed easily to adapt to different circumstances.

Example:Working from home provides employees with more flexibility in their daily schedules.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→