The war between Russia and Ukraine has become the world’s first conflict largely waged by drones. Ukraine’s innovative military has been employing thousands of shorter-range drones to defend against Russian ground assaults, which have been largely replaced by conventional artillery shells. The US has played a crucial role in this technological advancement, financing promising Ukrainian drone manufacturers and helping Ukraine reach a level of production previously unimaginable.
As the conflict continues to evolve, Ukraine’s innovative capabilities offer an opportunity for the United States to seize a technological edge. By learning from Ukraine’s drones and other defense technology, the US can improve its own military planning and adapt to emerging threats. The US must work with Ukrainian companies to manufacture drones in the US, coproducing these capabilities with Ukraine and acquiring associated intellectual property.
The primary risk of this approach is that the US could become dependent on a foreign partner for some of its defense production. However, the alternative is worse given Ukraine’s current knowledge and production advantage. The US should view its collaboration with Ukraine as a short-term technology accelerator rather than a long-term solution. By working with Ukrainian expertise, the US can rapidly learn and produce cutting-edge systems, then transition away from licensed models.
Ukraine’s innovative approach to defense production has significant implications for global security. As European leaders invest in their own defense industries, the US can offer guidance on building higher-end autonomous systems and conventional capabilities at scale. Ukraine’s fight represents a watershed in modern warfare, showcasing that advanced, affordable, and adaptable drones and other defense technologies can hold stronger adversaries at bay.
The US must continue to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression, with Ukraine helping the US turbocharge its own innovation. By collaborating on drone technology and production, both countries will be better and stronger for it.
Source: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/ukraines-drone-revolution