Since 2022, the Ukrainian armed forces have undergone a significant transformation, becoming the largest and most experienced fighting force in Europe. As a result, the country, previously considered a minor military player, is now widely recognised as indispensable to the future defence of Europe.
Over the past four years, Ukraine has established itself as a “drone superpower,” producing around four million drones annually.
A growing number of defence companies from the US and EU are seeking to expand their presence in Ukraine to take advantage of the country’s technological expertise.
Ukrainian forces have pioneered the use of combat drones on the front lines of the war. The country has also led the way at sea, with Ukrainian naval drones sinking multiple Russian warships and forcing Putin to withdraw the bulk of his remaining fleet from occupied Crimea to the relative safety of Russia itself. Meanwhile, long-range Ukrainian drones now routinely strike targets deep inside Russia. This Ukrainian success can serve as the foundation for a wider European security strategy as the world moves into a new era of drone-based warfare.
Lesia Orobets, founder of Price of Freedom
In recent months, more and more European countries have taken practical steps to leverage Ukrainian expertise in the use of drones. Ukrainian specialists and technologies could become a key element of the future European “drone wall” — a large-scale project that will ensure the security of airspace.
In addition to drone tactics and technologies, Ukraine can offer its European partners a unique environment for training drone operators and developing new weapons in real-world conditions.
Read more in the full article on the Atlantic Council.