War is not a static phenomenon. The longer it lasts, the more radically technologies, tactics, and the very landscape of combat change. Experts are already trying to look into the future and predict what the front line will look like in a few years. One such forecast was voiced by Yaroslav Gryshin, co-founder of the Ukrainian drone manufacturer "General Cherechnya".
Transformation of the Front: Forecast for 2028
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Gryshin presented a scenario of events if the conflict continues for another two years. In his opinion, the battlefield by 2028 will be unrecognizable compared to what we see today. The key change will be the scale of the so-called "kill zone" — an area where the concentration of fire and equipment makes presence practically impossible.
"There will definitely be a wider kill zone, it could reach 50 km," the expert noted. This means that forward positions and control zones will shift, and the zone of direct engagement will become significantly deeper.
The "Wall" of Robots and Autonomous Systems
One of the main elements of the new defense will be automation. Gryshin predicts the appearance of a "wall" of drones and a "wall" of robots. These systems will work in tandem, creating an insurmountable barrier for the enemy.
"Our border will be reliably protected, and no one will be able to break through it," the co-founder of "General Cherechnya" is confident. The basis of this protection lies not just in control panels, but in complex algorithms. According to Gryshin's forecast, future drones will be mainly controlled by artificial intelligence. This will allow systems to independently perform tasks such as terminal guidance, target acquisition, and detection without operator involvement.
Swarm Drones and New Capabilities
The tactics of using unmanned aerial vehicles will also undergo changes. Single units will be replaced by mass attacks of drone swarms. Such groups will be able to act in coordination, blocking space and suppressing the enemy's air defense systems.
Technological progress will allow the creation of means capable of covering huge distances, carrying heavier payloads, and possessing high autonomy. This will make them a universal weapon for both reconnaissance and striking.
Technological Sovereignty and Outpacing
An important aspect of the forecast is the issue of independence. Previously, Yaroslav Gryshin spoke about the areas in which the Ukrainian side managed to outpace the Russian side, as well as ways to get rid of dependence on Chinese components. This is critically important for maintaining production rates and modernizing armaments.
Already now, the first samples of fully autonomous drone interceptors developed in Ukraine are entering service. These systems lay the foundation for that very "wall" which, according to experts, will become a reality in the coming years.
