The conflict in Ukraine highlights the increasing reliance on drones in air, land, and sea warfare. In response to Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian innovators and military volunteers have developed technology with capabilities not yet possessed by the U.S., as detailed in an address to President Donald Trump and Congress by an industry expert.
In the US, the typical production cost of a drone is significantly higher than what is seen in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the median Ukrainian drones boast longer flight spans and greater payload capacities. Additionally, these Ukrainian drones are outfitted with artificial intelligence and have demonstrated robust resistance to electronic interference, a feature that’s not always guaranteed in their American counterparts, especially in electronic warfare situations.
Over the past two years, MITS Capital has been pushing the development of cutting-edge combat technologies, including high-flying payload delivery systems that reach the stratosphere, secure electronic warfare systems, AI-driven targeting and navigation using optical systems, devices that detect drones using acoustic and artificial intelligence technologies, advanced imaging cameras, high-tech drone engines, and state-of-the-art rocket propulsion systems.
These technologies have been put to the test on the battlefield, and 9 out of 10 are now being used in real-world operations.
Systematically produced in Ukraine, these weapons are substantially more affordable for the U.S. compared to similar items here domestically, according to advice from MITS Capital. “The U.S. can leverage what’s been developed in Ukraine for domestic advantage. Not only are these systems budget-friendly, but they’re also capable of swift deployment,” states a report from MITS Capital.
By 2025, it’s predicted that Ukraine’s arms production will increase significantly, providing potential alternatives to components currently sourced from China for American defense supplies. In addition, MITS Capital notes that Ukraine has a crucial reserve of land resources that could be integrated into the US defense supply chain.
The decisive factor in maintaining a military advantage will be the ability to manufacture military products, particularly drones, in mass quantities at a cost that can compete with other countries. Currently, the U.S. lacks this capability.
Ukraine is the only Western nation with a defense industry that matches China’s in terms of capacity and pricing structure, according to MITS Capital.
Ukraine also possesses vast reserves of minerals essential for defense, worth over $25 trillion, helping to minimize its reliance on unfriendly supply chains.
A $10 billion investment in the US in Ukraine’s defense sector would give the US a strategic advantage in an important industry, allowing it to counter competitors and enhance American defense capabilities with cutting-edge technologies.
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Read the full text of this article in The New York Times
Section: Nation
Author: Alex Stezhensky
