Post by : Badri Ariffin

Kyiv – As the war engulfed Ukraine in February 2022, citizens faced a critical decision: escape, conceal themselves, or engage in the fight. For Kseniia Kalmus, a former floral designer, the choice was straightforward. She transitioned from arranging flowers to assembling drones, turning her modest workshop into a production center creating hundreds of aircraft for Ukraine’s defense each month.

“I just wanted to contribute to my country, support my people, and assist the military,” she remarked. What began as efforts to raise funds for medical supplies, vehicles, and uniforms swiftly evolved into drone production—quadcopters originally designed for photography, now adapted to drop explosives on battlefields.

Dubbed the first comprehensive drone war globally, Ukraine's conflict reportedly sees drones accounting for about three-quarters of Russian losses, marking a significant departure from conventional artillery warfare.

Crafting a New Industry

Prior to 2022, the number of drone manufacturers in Ukraine was minimal. Now, numerous small workshops, home-based operations, and volunteer groups are contributing to drone production. Individuals like Kalmus have emerged as pivotal figures in this movement, building and supplying drones to the frontline.

The use of drones extends beyond Ukrainian borders. Areas like the Middle East, Myanmar, and Sudan are increasingly incorporating drones in their conflicts, with governments globally seeking both offensive and defensive drone technology. Belgium recently rushed to acquire anti-drone systems after drone sightings led to temporary airport closures.

Expanding Capabilities

The evolution of drone warfare has led to heightened demand for military-grade drones and counter-drone measures. Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, alongside smaller companies such as AeroVironment in the United States and Tekever in Portugal, are ramping up production. Additionally, Germany’s Stark is establishing a new factory in the UK to cater to increasing demands in Europe.

This surge in drone technology has also prompted the creation of countermeasures. Australian firm DroneShield and Norwegian startup Munin Dynamics are developing portable systems designed to detect and neutralize drones, serving military and civilian spaces alike. Their innovations are now in high demand across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

The Future of Warfare

Though most operational drones today are manually controlled, experts predict that the next evolution will integrate artificial intelligence. Drones managed by a single operator, coordinating in groups or operating autonomously, could transform aerial warfare once again.

For Kalmus and her fellow volunteers, the war is deeply personal. “I greatly miss flowers and my previous life,” she confides. “But this is about survival—for our country, existence, and culture.”

Ukraine’s drone evolution encapsulates a story of resilience and adaptability, illustrating how ordinary citizens can take on vital roles in modern conflict, and how technology is inextricably linked to national security.

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