Inside a cluttered workshop, there’s a chaotic workbench covered in various components: logic boards, antennas, batteries, augmented reality headsets, and rotor blades. At one end, there’s a makeshift photo studio where a quadcopter drone sits on a long white sheet, waiting for its close-up.
Yvan, the mastermind behind this workshop, proudly showcases his creations, moving around with a lit cigarette dangling from his mouth. With ash falling, he picks up different drone models, grinning as he talks about their capabilities. Yvan, a pseudonym given the security risk, holds up a mid-size drone, explaining how it hit a target from 11 kilometers away but aims to extend its range to 20 kilometers. He demonstrates different batteries and controllers to achieve this, highlighting his commitment to innovation.
One of Yvan’s innovations is a nondescript beige chip, which he proudly shows off. This chip allows for remote detonation of explosive payloads from a significant distance, a technological leap that could revolutionize drone warfare. It enables operators to park their drones and remotely trigger explosions after hours or even days of waiting, potentially integrating with AI for advanced functionality.
Despite the chaos of the workshop, Yvan insists that the manufacturer he represents, VERBA, is the best in Ukraine. The country’s drone industry has seen rapid growth, driven by entrepreneurship and innovation, offering a ray of hope in Ukraine’s defensive war against a better-equipped adversary.
To meet the growing demand for drones, entrepreneurs like Yvan have scaled up production significantly. What started as a small operation now produces thousands of drones per month. However, challenges persist, including competition for components from Russia and the need for continuous innovation to stay ahead.
To support the burgeoning drone industry, Ukraine established Brave1, a government-run agency that facilitates collaboration between private enterprise and the military. This initiative has helped streamline development and procurement processes, providing grants and connecting companies with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
While challenges remain, Ukraine’s drone industry represents a vital asset in its defensive strategy. With continued support and investment, it aims to bolster its capabilities and assert itself as a technological superpower in the age of drone warfare.
