Ukraine’s military is exploring the use of drones produced by a new startup sector, as they face an enemy with more resources, particularly Russia. The country added a fourth branch, the Unmanned Systems Forces, to its military in May, in an effort to gain a strategic edge against Russia. The startup sector operates in secret laboratories across the country, creating innovative drones at a fraction of the cost of imported models. The goal is to develop a robot army that can effectively combat Russian troops and protect Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
One startup, run by entrepreneur Andrii Denysenko, can assemble an unmanned ground vehicle called the Odyssey in four days for only $35,000, significantly cheaper than other models. The startup conducts its operations inside a shed, utilizing basic electronics, battery-powered engines, and off-the-shelf components to create the drones. The military is assessing a variety of unmanned vehicles from the startup sector, which takes inspiration from defense magazines or online videos to produce cost-effective platforms that can later be upgraded with weapons or smart components.
Denysenko’s company is working on various projects, including a motorized exoskeleton to boost soldier strength and carrier vehicles to transport equipment. The deputy prime minister for digital transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, is encouraging citizens to assemble drones at home, with the goal of producing a million flying machines annually. The use of AI-equipped drones and counter-drone weapons, combined with the affordability of these technologies, is raising concerns among experts about their widespread proliferation and potential consequences for escalating conflicts.
Despite the advantages of drone technology in warfare, there is a growing call for regulations and ethical considerations surrounding the use of autonomous weapons. Human Rights Watch, the U.N. General Assembly, and prominent figures from the tech industry have expressed concerns about the lack of human decision-making in autonomous drones. The fear is that the increased autonomy and affordability of drones could lower the barrier to killing and intensify conflicts. Experts warn that cheaper drones and advancing AI could lead to the widespread proliferation of autonomous weapons, potentially changing the nature of warfare in significant ways.
As Ukraine continues to develop its unmanned systems forces, the country is leveraging its startup sector to innovate and produce cutting-edge military technologies on a limited budget. The use of drones, AI-equipped weaponry, and other advanced technologies provides Ukraine with a strategic advantage in the face of a more well-resourced adversary. While concerns about the ethical implications and potential consequences of autonomous weapons persist, Ukraine remains focused on enhancing its military capabilities through innovative technologies, such as drones and robotics, to defend against external threats and protect its citizens.
