Sospol : Jurnal Sosial Politik
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): July-December (In Progress)

Reconfiguring Asymmetric Warfare: Ukraine's Military Transformation Through Operation Spider Web and the Evolution of Network-Centric Warfare

Dwi Azzahra Wulandari (Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia)
Putri Novelita Simbolon (Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia)
Efrina Dwi Antesa (Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia)
Yulia Rimapradesi (Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jul 2026

Abstract

This research discusses the transformation of Ukraine's military strategy in the face of Russian domination through a case study of Operation Spider Web in 2025. This operation marks an important shift from conventional warfare to asymmetrical and hybrid warfare, where Ukraine successfully utilizes drone technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and network-based communication systems to penetrate Russian defenses that were previously considered unreachable. With a qualitative approach and literature study method, this study analyzes how the operation reflects the principles of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) which includes technological innovation, doctrinal adaptation, and restructuring of military organizations. The results of the study showed that Operation Spider Web not only succeeded in giving a tactical impact in the form of damage to 41 Russian aircraft, but also proving the effectiveness of the network-centric warfare concept in increasing the efficiency of communication, coordination, and decision-making in real-time. This transformation illustrates a fundamental change in modern warfare patterns, where strategic excellence, innovation, and flexibility become the main factors replacing the dominance of conventional military power.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sospol

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

The Social and Political Research Center (PKSP), Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang proudly presents Journal Sospol (Sospol: Jurnal Sosial Politik). Journal Sospol cordially invites researchers, academicians, and experts to submit research on sociology, ...