Drones have become a game-changer in the Russia-Ukraine War — so much so that they could potentially transform Ukraine into a defense powerhouse in Europe, according to one Northeastern University observer. “It’s actually the case that Ukraine may not only have the wherewithal to potentially prevail in the war, but also be able to actually fund itself moving forward,” says Mai’a Cross, dean’s professor of political science, international affairs and diplomacy. “If it can scale what it is building such that it can develop an export industry and create a real market — a defense industry of its own — it might be able to fund its own efforts.”
Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks in recent months in an effort to check Russian aggression. For its part, Russia has also intensified its drone production using Western electronics and Chinese parts. Drone attacks have been a regular part of its “punishment” strategy in Ukraine aimed at coercing Ukraine into a political outcome that favors Russia.
