US Military Lessons from Ukraine and Israel War

Analyzing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, and acknowledging technological advancements from China, a senior Army official emphasized the necessity for a blend of high- and low-tech strategies in future warfare. Young Bang, the principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology, shared insights at the I/ITSEC 2023 conference in Florida. He highlighted that the Army vision for 2040 is shaped by lessons drawn from ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Israel, and the evolving landscape of peer threats.

Bang discussed the Army pursuit of a "digital transformation," emphasizing its role in expediting the delivery of capabilities to soldiers. While he did not delve into specifics regarding the lessons learned from Israel and Ukraine, he hinted at the amalgamation of low-tech and high-tech solutions observed in conflicts, citing examples like quadrotor drones deploying basic grenades against tanks.

The Army digital transformation encompasses various focus areas, according to Jen Swanson, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for data, engineering, and software. This includes the implementation of modern software practices, the evolution of open architectures toward a modular open systems approach, and advancements in digital engineering. The service aims to establish a data mesh-based data architecture, enhance artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, bolster survivability in contested cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum, and empower the Army community.

Swanson highlighted the execution phase of the Army digital engineering strategy, approved in September, expressing a serious commitment to the initiative. The focus is on transitioning from manual processes to an all-digital environment, potentially developing virtual prototypes before significant investments in physical prototypes. This strategic shift is aimed at expediting the development of weapon systems, with plans to apply these lessons to major modernization priorities, including future vertical lift and the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program. Army Under Secretary Gabe Camirillo announced that the strategy would be unveiled before the end of the calendar year, setting the groundwork for accelerating weapon system development.