Should the Ukrainian model for UAS technology development be copied?
Ukraine has rapidly fielded many types of small UAS. (Photo: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine)
The country’s industrial defence transformation since 2022 has ramped up rapidly, offering Europe and NATO lessons in agility, innovation and rapid procurement. But how easily can, or should, such wartime innovation be copied?
The tendency to laud Ukraine’s rapid development of defence technology is well established. Many articles on the subject pay homage to the remarkable evolution from a 2022 base of virtually nothing to a 2025 rate of advance and output envied by many nations.
While most of Ukraine’s heavy equipment (aircraft, artillery, air defence) was from existing stocks or donated, much of the (often novel) mid-level tactical support capability has been home-grown. This has been particularly – but not only – true of the ubiquitous uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) segment.
This is a feat of staggering proportions. Government-industry-military relations have been
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
![US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable]()
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
