As the first ray of sun hit on an unexpectedly frosty August morning, a few hundred just-graduated Ukrainian paratroopers were traipsing across a corn and rapeseed field, preparing for their first jump. Sitting in line with the gear strapped to their backs for the training exercise, many know they are unlikely to ever do one in a real warzone.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Four years after Russia invaded, technology has completely transformed the war and the role of soldiers. “Airdropping personnel with parachute systems is impractical because, unfortunately, the enemy’s assets can neutralize them very rapidly,” said 24-year-old instructor Axel. The once-familiar picture of a war fought with infantry at the front and dog-fights in the air has become increasingly obsolete. Drones have taken over the skies, while ground robots are being integrated into combat missions -- both to fight and resupply troops stuck in dangerous positions. Around 90 percent of targets are now destroyed by drones, Ukraine’s defence ministry reported in July. Still, the future paratroopers were sure that traditional skills are still relevant. Technology could only do so much, said a 21-year-old rookie, who goes by the callsign “Karyi”. “I’d love to see artificial intelligence winning wars, liberating territories.” - ‘Forging character’ - Airborne forces have traditionally been considered elite by many armies around the world, with airdrops remaining a fundamental part of conflict since World War II.