Necessity is the mother of invention, and Ukraine’s military industrial complex is proving quite inventive as the country fights for its existence against Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine has repeatedly innovated its way out of disaster, with artillery shell shortages driving a massive surge in drone production and drone innovation. And now, a shortage of air defences against Russian drones is driving rapid innovation in drones designed for intercepting other unarmed aerial vehicles.
“Interceptor drones are performing especially well — hundreds of Russian-Iranian Shaheds have been shot down this week alone,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Every meeting with partners this week was about scaling up this technology.”
Watch the video below to get a sense of how drone interceptors work:
Ukraine is also investing in training for drone interceptor pilots.
This means Ukraine will rapidly become a leader in drone interceptor design, production, and use. For Canada, this means that as we seek the most efficient ways to spend the larger military outlays planned in the years ahead, continuing to support Ukraine is essential. By forging close partnerships with the Ukrainian defence industry, Canada can benefit from Ukrainian innovation and learn how best to direct resources based on the rapidly shifting nature of war.
This is what those who oppose aiding Ukraine fail to understand. We don’t lose by helping Ukraine; we benefit, and we ensure a stronger Canadian military and a more innovative Canadian defence sector in the long run.
Spencer Fernando
Image – Twitter
I write for a Canada that defends itself, governs itself, builds boldly, and stands with its democratic friends. If you want that case made week after week, support the work. For $8 a month on Patreon, you get the full-length essays behind these short pieces, and the complete archive.