A new book has drawn attention to a chilling scenario where a swarm of 97 drones could strike Helsinki, highlighting the changing dynamics of warfare in the modern age. Authored by Jyri Kosola, a former research chief of the Finnish Defense Forces, the book argues that the rise of drones has already altered military strategies to the extent that traditional armored vehicles are rarely deployed in frontline conflicts, particularly as seen in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Kosola notes that the impact of drones on warfare represents one of the most significant shifts since the introduction of gunpowder, steam power, and aircraft. He asserts that future warfare will increasingly rely on autonomous drone swarms, which can be programmed with specific operational parameters by human operators, allowing for rapid and adaptive responses on the battlefield. He points out that new algorithms guiding drones can be deployed in seconds, compared to traditional weapon systems that often become outdated before they even see action.

Citing his observations from a visit to Ukraine in November 2025, Kosola explains that traditional armored vehicles played a minimal role in recent combat scenarios, with only one notable incident where an armored vehicle was crucial for evacuating a wounded fighter under fire. This scenario emphasizes the urgent need for countries, including Finland, to reassess their military strategies and consider the implications of drone technology in modern conflicts, particularly in urban settings where the risks and complexities of warfare are heightened.