During World War II, blackouts were vital. Cities turned off lights to avoid detection by enemy bombers. But in today’s warfare, cutting off electricity and communications no longer offers real protection. Military operations have moved far beyond what blackouts were designed to counter.
Drones, a core feature of modern conflict, don’t rely on local power or communication networks. Armed with satellite navigation and autonomous programming, they can operate entirely independently of ground-based infrastructure. Even if a city goes dark, a drone will still find its target using GPS or inertial systems.
Combat communication today also happens across multiple secure channels, including satellite links, encrypted radio, and mesh networks. Shutting down local internet or cell towers won’t stop an army that’s designed to communicate under any conditions. Ironically, blackouts can harm the defending side more—interrupting air defense systems, command centers, and surveillance tools that need constant power.
Civilian populations also suffer. Power cuts disrupt hospitals, emergency services, and basic infrastructure. They often lead to confusion, panic, and misinformation, which can spread quickly in the age of smartphones and social media. The psychological and social toll often outweighs any tactical advantage.
Rather than preventing attacks, blackouts now risk weakening defense and creating internal instability. The focus of modern defense strategies has shifted to cyber defense, electronic warfare, and real-time intelligence. In short, information—not darkness—is the new battleground.
