Charles Esther
The former CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt, believes that the Ukraine-Russia conflict has permanently changed the way wars will be fought.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, Schmidt argued that future wars would rely less on traditional military equipment like aircraft carriers and more on remote-controlled and autonomous systems, especially drones.
Learning from Ukraine’s Sea Drones
Schmidt specifically referenced Ukraine’s use of exploding Magura sea drones.
These unmanned surface vessels have played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Although Ukraine doesn’t have warships in its navy, the drones have allowed them to strike targets with remarkable precision, taking out helicopters and Russian speedboats.
Schmidt suggested that Taiwan could adopt a similar strategy to prevent a land invasion by China.
Drone Boats as Modern-Day Torpedoes
The Magura drones are not just surveillance tools.
They are built for reconnaissance and direct attacks.
Schmidt proposed that similar vessels could be created to sink just below the water’s surface and act like torpedoes.
He said that even without leading a company in that space, he would build such boats and deploy them strategically.
By doing so, Taiwan could take away one of China’s invasion options.
He emphasized the potential for drones to act as powerful deterrents.
Aircraft Carriers Are Now Vulnerable
Schmidt cast doubt on the viability of using large naval assets like aircraft carriers to defend Taiwan.
He pointed out the threat of hypersonic missiles, which no country currently has strong defenses against.
He also noted how satellite surveillance via low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations has made aircraft carriers easier to track than ever before.
Warfare is Going Remote
Schmidt highlighted a significant shift in how wars are now being waged.
He said traditional combat involving soldiers with guns is being replaced by internet-driven, remote-operated warfare.
He explained that the battlefield is no longer just physical — it’s digital, and automation is breaking the age-old notion of direct human conflict.
The Future of Global Defense
Schmidt has long been a vocal supporter of advanced technology in warfare.
He previously helped test AI-guided drones on the frontlines in Ukraine.
According to Schmidt, the tools that worked in Ukraine could reshape Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.
He urged world leaders and defense industries to rethink their strategies and invest in cost-effective, tech-based deterrents.
By adopting lessons from Ukraine’s resistance, countries like Taiwan may stand a stronger chance against more powerful adversaries.
