Infantry 2.0: Mini Drones and the Future of Tactical Warfare

The accelerating integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly mini drones, into modern warfare represents a major shift in the tactical employment of infantry forces. As military operations become increasingly digitized, networked, and data-driven, traditional infantry structures must adapt operationally, doctrinally, and educationally. This study explores the doctrinal, organizational, and instructional implications of integrating mini drones into infantry subunits. Based on doctrinal analysis, empirical observations from field exercises, and lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian war, the article proposes structural models for deploying mini UAV teams at platoon and company levels.Findings indicate that mini drones enhance situational awareness, reduce human exposure, increase targeting precision, and expand tactical flexibility. However, these benefits are conditional on doctrinal adaptation, revised training pipelines, updated field manuals, and coherent tactical airspace management. The research highlights the need for a cultural shift: the modern infantry soldier evolves into a digitally assisted operator, integrated into a distributed, sensor-enabled combat network. Beyond being a fighter, the soldier becomes a data integrator and system coordinator. These insights offer concrete guidance for transforming infantry into adaptive, drone-integrated tactical formations suited for future operating environments.