The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has revolutionized modern warfare by making drones a ubiquitous weapon, driving a global surge in production and innovation that spans from individual volunteers to major defense firms. This transformation is vividly illustrated by stories like that of Kseniia Kalmus, a former floral artist who now assembles drones for Ukrainian forces, highlighting how civilian expertise is being repurposed for military needs in what experts call the world’s first full-scale drone war.
Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Kseniia Kalmus co-owned a flower shop in Kyiv and traveled Europe as a floral artist, but the war prompted a dramatic career shift. She began by fundraising for various military supplies, but as frontline requests increasingly focused on first-person view (FPV) drones, she pivoted to producing them herself. Now, she and her team churn out hundreds of drones monthly—small quadcopters that, when armed with explosives, become lethal tools. Her journey reflects a broader trend in Ukraine, where countless civilians have turned their skills toward drone manufacturing in garages and apartments, donating these devices to bolster the war effort.
Drones have become central to Ukraine’s defense strategy, with Kyiv claiming that around three-quarters of Russian battlefield losses are attributed to drone strikes rather than conventional artillery or bullets. The conflict has accelerated the adoption of drones globally, with their use expanding to conflicts in the Middle East, Myanmar, and Sudan. Stacie Pettyjohn, a defense expert at the Center for a New American Security, notes that drones offer a cheap form of air power, leading European states to consider ‘drone walls’ and other nations to rapidly acquire similar technology. This proliferation underscores a shift in military tactics, where agile, low-cost drones can challenge traditional heavy weaponry.
In response, the global defense industry is ramping up investments, with giants like Lockheed Martin and Boeing taking note and smaller firms experiencing explosive growth. For instance, AeroVironment, a U.S.-based drone maker, has seen its share price soar more than four-fold since the invasion, while European companies like Portugal’s Tekever have achieved unicorn status with valuations over $1 billion. Germany’s Stark is expanding its operations, including a new factory in Swindon, England, set to open soon, and the UK government has committed £4.5 billion to military drones, signaling strong confidence in their future role.
The rise of drone warfare has spawned a parallel counter-drone industry, focused on detecting and neutralizing these threats. Companies like Australia’s DroneShield have seen their share prices increase 15-fold since 2022, offering portable systems that jam radio signals or shoot down drones to protect military bases and critical infrastructure. Similarly, start-ups like Munin Dynamics, founded by a former Norwegian paratrooper, are developing user-friendly devices for soldiers to defend against drone attacks. This anti-drone technology is in high demand, as seen in Belgium’s recent urgency to acquire defenses after drone sightings disrupted Brussels Airport.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to drive the next evolution in drone technology, potentially enabling groups of drones to be controlled by a single operator or even operate autonomously. Currently, most conflict drones are manually guided, placing operators at risk, but AI could enhance collaboration and precision, making drones even more formidable. Experts predict that fully autonomous systems will emerge, further transforming battlefield dynamics and raising ethical questions about the role of human oversight in warfare.
For individuals like Kseniia Kalmus, the shift to drone production is a matter of survival and patriotism, though it comes with personal sacrifice. She expresses nostalgia for her previous life as a floral artist but emphasizes that the fight for Ukraine’s existence transcends personal desires. Her story, and those of many others, illustrates how war reshapes careers and communities, turning ordinary citizens into key players in a high-tech arms race. As drones continue to evolve, their impact on global security and industry will likely grow, solidifying their place in modern conflict.
In conclusion, the mainstreaming of drones represents a pivotal shift in military strategy, driven by innovation and necessity in Ukraine. This trend not only highlights the adaptability of individuals and industries but also sets the stage for future advancements in warfare technology, with implications for defense policies worldwide.
