Photo illustration by Alberto Mier for CNN.
As highlighted by CNN
The future war increasingly resembles a dynamic video game: combat units are equipped with augmented reality glasses, control has shifted to joysticks, and small drones actively operate in the sky, responding to every gesture of the operator.
At a military base in Texas last month, American units trained to operate compact quadcopters – these drones are now dominating the battlefield in Ukraine and are becoming a popular choice among countries developing their defense capabilities.
A drone with cheap components costing a few thousand dollars can neutralize a tank worth millions – such a contrast shows how affordable platforms can change the rules of battle. Yet the United States, the world’s most powerful military, faces difficulties in the rapid mass production of cheap drones, while traditionally focusing on large, expensive weapons.
“This is not tomorrow’s problem. This is today’s problem.”
Rapid Drone Integration: U.S. Steps in 2024–2025
In July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a memo to leaders aimed at accelerating drone adoption: the army began assembling and 3D-printing drones, employing simulators styled like video games, and training to operate small systems through windows and indoors, as well as striking enemy tanks. The main idea is to integrate drones into all relevant training, including combat training between drones.
“Next year I expect this capability to be integrated into all relevant combat trainings, including drones in wars between forces.”
Ukraine and Global Cooperation in Drone Development
Ukraine comprehensively views drones as tools for support and defense cooperation: Kyiv aims to strengthen ties with the United States and unfold a large-scale project for drone supply and joint production, focused on hundreds of billions of dollars, with an expectation of producing millions of drones annually over five years. The development of Ukrainian experience also points toward using data from drones to train artificial intelligence and bolster allies’ defense capabilities.
“In the last six months there has been a radical shift in how people perceive how drones work and how the industry is developing.”
A Look Ahead: How Drones Are Transforming Modern Defense
The modern drone story emphasizes the shift from expensive, monolithic models to networked and adaptive systems. At the same time, the need to rapidly translate developments from design laboratories into real battlefield application – from prototypes to mass production – is growing. Additionally, the importance of data, cybersecurity, and international cooperation is rising: drones become not only weapons but also platforms for training artificial intelligence, refining tactics, and boosting allied readiness. This combination of requirements reduces the distance between concept and actual effectiveness on the front.
“In the last six months there has been a radical shift in how drones work and how the industry is developing.”
You may be interested in these materials:
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warns of rising pro-Russian sentiments and anti-Ukraine attitudes fueled by Kremlin fears, urging politicians to stop this wave and strengthen regional security with NATO cooperation.
- Russian drones allegedly crossed into Polish airspace during a night attack on Ukraine, prompting NATO consultations and heightened regional security concerns.
- US President Trump rebrands Defense Ministry to “Ministry of War,” deploys National Guard amid legal disputes over military use in cities like Los Angeles and Washington.
