Smartphones have become an essential tool in modern warfare, providing soldiers with crucial communication, navigation, and information-sharing capabilities on the front line. However, a new law signed by Vladimir Putin in Russia has sparked controversy by allowing commanding officers to punish subordinates caught using their smartphones in Ukraine by confining them to the guardhouse for up to 10 days.
Pro-war Russian bloggers have criticized the legislation, pointing out that smartphones have become the primary means of communication between units due to the unreliable internet and telecommunications provided by the Russian Defence Ministry. Dmitry Rogozin, a propagandist and „senator“ representing the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of smartphones in maintaining combat capability on the front line.
Military analyst Kirill Mikhailov emphasized the widespread use of smartphones in the current war, stating that banning them would disrupt essential functions such as drone operations, artillery targeting, and logistics. Yan Matveyev, a military analyst with Alexey Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, echoed this sentiment, likening the ban on smartphones to banning non-regulation shoes or clothing, as it would bring operations to a standstill.
Despite the ban on smartphones, many units have access to high-speed internet through dedicated lines or satellite communication equipment. Some military divisions even have their own chat rooms for communication. The term „network-centric warfare“ has emerged, referring to a single communication network that allows different units to share information and enhance situational awareness.
The law not only applies to smartphones but also to other devices such as tablets, drones, walkie-talkies, laptops, and Bluetooth- or wifi-enabled devices. Troops have been banned from using these devices since 2019, but enforcement has been challenging. Any device emitting a signal on the front line is vulnerable to enemy electronic reconnaissance, making civilian devices a security risk.
Israeli military columnist David Sharp emphasized the importance of shielding communication networks from the enemy and the risks posed by using civilian devices in a war zone. He noted that most European armies ban the use of civilian devices to prevent electronic reconnaissance and maintain operational security.
In conclusion, the debate over the use of smartphones in modern warfare highlights the challenges faced by military forces in balancing convenience with security. While smartphones provide valuable capabilities on the front line, they also pose risks in terms of electronic reconnaissance and operational security. As technology continues to evolve, military commanders must navigate the complex landscape of communication devices to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their troops.