When we think about the future of warfare, it’s tempting to imagine a world dominated by advanced technologies: AI-powered drones, hypersonic missiles and satellites coordinating every move.

But the war in Ukraine has shown that high-tech capabilities alone don’t win wars. Victory also depends on low-tech solutions — and on rapidly and cheaply integrating the two.

Western powers have long assumed that their technological edge would guarantee victory in any future conflict. The reasoning is simple: If your weapons are smarter, faster and more precise, you win.