(NewsNation) — Drones have become a dominating storyline in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Once thought to have no chance against their Russian counterparts, Ukraine has flipped the script through its use of drones, which are cheap, fast, and potentially deadly.
Because of this, it might be time for the United States to start paying attention to how important drones can be in preparation for possible attacks. Deborah Fairlamb, co-founder of Green Flag Ventures and an American living in Ukraine, told NewsNation the U.S. needs to take advantage of the evolving landscape.
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She points out that the “extraordinary iteration and fast pace” the technology is developing would help give the U.S. a leg up in the future.
“The second thing has to do with the absolute sheer numbers of drones,” Fairlamb said, regarding the true saturation both on the frontlines and the drones Russia has sent into Ukraine to target civilians and critical infrastructure.
U.S. and other Western nations are usually known for having a longer procurement cycle. Fairlamb believes they need to change that strategy.
“The Ukrainian government really has figured out a way to get these drones to the frontline more quickly,” she said.
“Drones do not necessarily replace conventional, traditional western weapons, be it tanks, ships or armored personnel vehicles. Within the context of traditional weaponry, they do need to take into consideration the threats that drones play and have against them.”
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Fairlamb notes drones have made their way into other battlefields and situations, such as the Houthis in border clashes.
She said the possibility of homemade threats or something more structured should be on the U.S. security radar.
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