Ukrainian forces are reportedly assembling roughly half a million drones each month to counter Russia’s full‑scale assault, a capacity claimed by Ukrainian media and noting that this rate of output has more than doubled within a single year.
How fast innovation can move in war
Beyond human adaptability, unmanned systems are evolving at unprecedented speed. The Ukrainian firm Kaban Robotics, for instance, modifies the Buntar Copilot software to allow complete remote control of reconnaissance drones, reducing the crew required at launch sites while missions can be executed from hundreds or even thousands of kilometers away.
“Our primary objective is ensuring the safety of seasoned pilots,” explained Bohdan Sas, cofounder of Buntar, to Euronews. “Once the drone is aloft, the operator can execute the mission from a secure position, while the ground crew departs the area instantly.”
Is the Bundeswehr adapting to changing warfare?
The German armed forces are increasingly turning to aerial platforms. Recent budget discussions approved large orders for inexpensive ‘kamikaze’ drones designed to engage enemy targets precisely at long range. Bavaria has emerged as a cluster for drone manufacturers—Quantum Systems, Helsing, ARX and Airlogix have begun mass‑producing over 5,000 long‑range combat drones for Ukraine—and additional sites are slated east of the Elbe.
Critics point to the outdated nature of earlier models such as KZO and LUNA, arguing that urgent introduction of newer designs must precede incremental budget increases. Otte emphasized, “Prioritizing rapid entry of new systems into serial production and relieving troops of non‑military bureaucracy are essential priorities.”
Security expert Dr Frank Sauer noted that the core technical challenge lies in adopting these innovations and reshaping battlefield tactics accordingly. “Catching up is feasible, but progress is currently hampered by steep costs per unit; German‑made drones command higher price tags compared to the ones deployed in Ukraine,” he commented to Euronews.
“The true obstacle is how we integrate these new systems into doctrine and develop appropriate operational procedures supported by organizational flexibility. There is growing concern that traditional approaches are insufficient and adaptation has not advanced quickly enough,” Freuding warned.
Freuding: ‘Everyone must learn it, everyone must be able to do it’
Lieutenant General Dr Christian Freuding, a senior member of the Bundeswehr, stressed that basic training now includes an introductory drill on drone operation in an interview published by the RND news channel. “Every soldier must learn to operate drones, and every operative must be able to do so,” he declared, underscoring the expectation that each infantryman becomes a reconnaissance operator or a counter‑drone specialist.
For the German armed forces, tactical readiness depends not only on seizing equipment but also on embedding new technologies into training culture and doctrine. During the Freedoms Shield I exercise held in Lithuania, troops mustered both pilots who flew their own drones and defenders equipped with improvised protective cages to mitigate incoming strikes.
Tank commander Kevin from Tank Battalion 203 reflected on his inaugural flight, saying it lasted only minutes once the interface was mastered.
You can watch the full report on the Lithuania brigade here: