Small countries developing new strategies of war courage and power

Military power is traditionally understood through air forces, tanks, warships, and vast armies. However, this notion is now changing. Because missile and drone capabilities, along with the mental resilience of the people, have emboldened weaker nations, and the new strategic challenges they are posing against powerful states are becoming evident in the course of subsequent events.

Ukraine and HIMARS: Breaking preconceptions
Facing Russia’s conventional military might, Ukraine stands armed with Western-supplied HIMARS precision rocket systems and Turkish-made drones. Ukraine’s 43rd Missile Artillery Brigade has used HIMARS to target Russian military depots and vehicles. Video footage shows ammunition trucks being destroyed and consumed by fire. This drive has made clear that mental resilience and technological strategy can challenge the equation of power.

Houthi rebels’ attack on Saudi oil depots
Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched long-range missile and drone attacks on key Saudi oil service centres. In the September 2019 Abqaiq-Khurais attack, nearly 5.7 million barrels per day (5 percent of the global supply) of production was temporarily halted. With just a few drones or rockets, not only was Saudi oil production affected, but severe instability was created in the global oil market.

In addition, an attack occurred on the Ras Tanura oil terminal in March 2021, where just one drone struck, yet it had a significant impact on the global market and prices rose above 70 US dollars. The capability shown in the Houthi attacks suggests that although their financial or military budget is limited, they are able to build strong resistance through the use of cheap and effective missiles.

Hezbollah: Reserved rockets and effective strategy
Hezbollah’s military capacity is extensive. It has around 50,000 active fighters and 15,000–20,000 reserve members. Its number of rockets and missiles ranges from 120,000 to 150,000. Hezbollah does not have an air force, yet it uses a large number of ground-launched missiles and covert tactics that challenge Israel’s defence systems.

North Korea: A devastating and unambiguous rocket programme
Despite its weak economy, North Korea’s missile and nuclear tests have maintained its strong strategic position. Its very existence repeatedly reminds the world that the fear of missile and nuclear capability is power, which gives a small nation equal standing to speak before a larger one.

Why this change is effective in many cases
Using uncomplicated tools, attacks can be carried out at low cost. The Houthi drone Sammad‑3 has a range of 1,200–1,500 km, capable of reaching and striking Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The cost of drones can be as low as 15,000 US dollars or less, while the cost of defence countermeasures is 3–4 million dollars. On average, the cost of building a defence system is unable to cope with the so-called ‘drone script’.

Diplomatic and strategic consequences
Weaker nations are gaining the courage to make independent decisions. Even if the fear of economic loss is minor, for any aggressor the pressure to provide compensation increases with every strike. As a result: “We may not be able to win the war entirely—but if you start the aggression, your costs will rise too, and we will hurt you, and let the world know about it.” This attitude creates a balance that compels powerful nations to think before invading.

Finally, in conclusion, this idea reflects a global strategic reality. Missiles and drones, and mental resilience, are creating strategic possibilities beyond conventional strength. This marks the beginning of a new era not only in warfare but in diplomacy and global image. This technological advancement is not just enhancing military capability, but the democratic courage and strategy-based resistance it is building is giving even the powerful reason to think.

K M Zainul Abedin: Retired Engineer