Translated from German by google

Origin from Kristina Thomas ©

https://www.n-tv.de/politik/Russland-hat-die-Masse-die-Ukraine-das-Entwicklungstempo-id31019242.html

Russia has the numbers; Ukraine has the pace of development

On a field about half an hour outside Kyiv, one can catch a glimpse of the future of warfare for a day. The latest aerial and ground drones buzz over a course specially prepared with obstacles next to a military base. Developers and start-ups have set up tents beside the track, showcasing prototypes and vying for the interest of commanders and military officials. Drones are no longer the only stars of the show; the focus has expanded to include anti-drone systems, swarms of naval drones, and autonomous warfare.

The demonstration was organized by the Ukrainian accelerator Defence Builder, a defense-sector program established specifically for this purpose. For now, it remains purely a demonstration—one of thousands of tests taking place in Ukraine every week. However, the high-profile audience makes it clear that this is about more than just a technical showcase. In a war increasingly defined by the speed of innovation, events like this help determine who learns faster—and thereby gains a decisive advantage.

Vlad—call sign "Pirate"—is also on the field, watching the Trident Group team launch their AI-controlled drone. "I support various brigades, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs as an advisor to the Air Operations Division. I’m everywhere and nowhere at the same time." Since 2022, he has been shuttling monthly between the front lines and the rear, organizing technology tests and connecting developers with the military—thereby enabling a new innovation ecosystem characterized by short lines of communication.

Technical Glitches Are Part of the Process

A modified BRDM-2M—a Soviet-era armored scout vehicle—races around the test grounds. It is not being steered from the driver's seat, but rather from the small tent of the Estonian startup Telearmy. The team has developed a solution for the seamless remote control of military and civilian vehicles that employs multiple radio networks in parallel to ensure connectivity, even under combat conditions.

In terms of communication, the conditions could hardly be more realistic: ongoing Russian attacks on the capital are causing frequent network outages throughout the region—disruptions similar to those seen at the front line. The connection drops right before the military observers' eyes; technicians step in to fix errors and reboot systems. Communication between the vehicle and the operator is not yet running smoothly. Yet, the underlying concept is what matters—and whether it holds the potential for further development.

Four months of development—and now, the reality check

A few weeks later, in an underground parking garage in Kyiv. Dark suits, polo shirts, and white sneakers have replaced the uniforms. Amidst booths showcasing drones, sensors, and software, espresso is being served, and companies are once again pitching their ideas—though this time, to investors. For four months, alongside frontline units, more than 30 mentors with experience in defense and business startups worked with the participating companies. They were also supported by a network comprising investors, lawyers, defense manufacturers, government agencies, the European Commission’s office in Kyiv, and the NATO delegation in Ukraine.

Line Rindvig, the Danish CEO of the Defense Builder Accelerator, welcomes the guests. "Today marks the conclusion of our four-month accelerator program. The companies have had the opportunity to introduce their solutions to the military, investors, and defense manufacturers, and to showcase the progress they’ve made over the past few months. These are exactly the kinds of conversations we need—they can lead to partnerships that make a real difference on the front lines."

Not a competition in the traditional sense

At the coffee tables, almost every conversation revolves around the same question: How can the path from problem to solution be shortened? Right in the middle of it all is Marko Kushnir from General Cherry. The company is one of Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturers and the event’s key partner; it awarded $25,000 each to the four most promising of the nine participating startups, including the Trident Group. Kushnir explains that the AI system is of interest for their own drones. "We are very open to collaborating with these small teams and sharing our resources and expertise."

"Our biggest competitor isn't another Ukrainian defense company, but the Russian defense industry. That’s why there is no competition here in the traditional sense—we are united by a common goal: to defeat Russia militarily." "What matters most, therefore, is the race for the best technology—and that is taking place on both sides."

"Develop decentrally, scale centrally"

According to Anton Verkhovodov of the venture capital firm D3 – Dare to Defend Democracy, it is this decentralized approach that drives Ukraine's success. "Innovation requires decentralization, whereas scaling requires a centralized approach." Ukraine has already mastered this balance, Verkhovodov notes.

While Ukraine relies on private initiatives to develop new solutions, many NATO armies still take the opposite path: "They first define their requirements and then commission the industry to implement them. This often leads to underwhelming results."

In Ukraine, by contrast, there was a need from the very beginning to drive innovation using private capital—an approach that has now paid off. "Innovations come primarily from the private sector. However, the government creates the right framework conditions—and then captures those innovations." Startups receive targeted support, and developers are brought together with military personnel. "This allows new technologies to reach the troops quickly—and enables soldiers to figure out the best way to use them."

Verkhovodov says he is not worried that Russia might catch up: "We aren't afraid of Russia replicating the ecosystem." While the Russians may be masters of scaling, he adds: "Now that we are reclaiming our country, I would say our system works better." The model cannot simply be transferred to China or Russia, as the cultural and societal conditions differ, Verkhovodov explains. "Above all, they lack the horizontal connections that we have."

There seems little doubt that drone warfare (God forbid aided by AI) is going to dominate how wars are fought for the near future at least......until robots take over I guess.

6 minutes ago, MIke B Bad said:

There seems little doubt that drone warfare (God forbid aided by AI) is going to dominate how wars are fought for the near future at least......until robots take over I guess.

It always needs boots on the ground. At the moment russian losses in comparence to ukrainian are 8:1.

1 minute ago, Schoggibueb said:

It always needs boots on the ground. At the moment russian losses in comparence to ukrainian are 8:1.

I guess the robots can be fitted with boots.

July 6 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy lamented a shortage of arms to defend Ukraine against Russian ballistic missiles on Monday and said it was "absurd" that production could not meet demand to protect people.

"It is simply absurd that, in the modern world, production has still not been scaled up to the level actually required to protect people from ballistic terror," he said in his nightly video address.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine had the know-how to produce the weapons and if it received U.S. licences to manufacture U.S. Patriot systems "our production would be sufficient not only to defend Ukraine but also to assist partners who need them.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy: It is 'absurd' that production of missile defence arms cannot meet demand

27 minutes ago, bannork said:

July 6 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy lamented a shortage of arms to defend Ukraine against Russian ballistic missiles on Monday and said it was "absurd" that production could not meet demand to protect people.

"It is simply absurd that, in the modern world, production has still not been scaled up to the level actually required to protect people from ballistic terror," he said in his nightly video address.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine had the know-how to produce the weapons and if it received U.S. licences to manufacture U.S. Patriot systems "our production would be sufficient not only to defend Ukraine but also to assist partners who need them.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy: It is 'absurd' that production of missile defence arms cannot meet demand

He's right, it is absurd.

From the US admin no reaction at all on both suggestions to produce PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles under licence in Ukraine or somewhere else in Europe. Just silence.

To be fair, Europe hasn't ramped up it's SAMP/T production either since the russian aggression has started - 4 years and no increase of the 100-150pcs. produced Anti-aircraft missiles per year.

It's hard to understrand.

In the future, the vast majority of interceptor drones will be equipped with jet propulsion systems. This is due to the increasing speed of the enemy's attack drones, Yartura Chief Executive Officer Oleg Bukarenko told RBC-Ukraine.

"From my point of view, all of us (interceptor drone developers – ed.) will switch to jet propulsion. Because it significantly increases speed, this is what we are all moving toward, but at the same time, increasing speed also requires additional systems that also need to be developed," Bukarenko said.

According to him, today, when countering jet-powered Shahed drones, fixed-wing interceptor drones have a noticeable speed advantage because wings are a matter of aerodynamics. Wings allow drones to reach higher speeds, increase their range, and glide while using fewer of the platform's own resources.

"The key advantage of multicopter systems is their ability to hover. They are certainly more maneuverable, but they fall far behind in range and speed. So, fixed-wing drones are faster if the development was aimed directly in that direction," the Yartura Chief Executive Officer added.

Ukrainian defense companies are increasingly integrating elements of artificial intelligence and machine vision into unmanned platforms. This makes it possible to effectively bypass enemy electronic warfare systems.

Ukraine developed the world's first autonomous multicopter-type interceptor drone, LITAVR. The system is capable of taking off, catching up with, and destroying aerial targets without a pilot's involvement during flight.

Ukraine to counter jet-powered Shaheds with jet-powered interceptor drones

On 7/7/2026 at 4:22 AM, Schoggibueb said:

To be fair, Europe hasn't ramped up it's SAMP/T production either since the russian aggression has started - 4 years and no increase of the 100-150pcs. produced Anti-aircraft missiles per year.

It's hard to understrand.

no its easy. europe is defenseless without us.

To lighten the mood a bit regarding this serious topic...

Ukraine has approved and authorized for use by the Armed Forces a new Cyclops unmanned aerial system designed to engage enemy air and ground targets, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

What is known about the Cyclops UAV system?

The Cyclops unmanned aerial system was developed by a Ukrainian defense company with experience designing weapons and military equipment tailored for the demands of modern high-intensity warfare.

Various versions of the Cyclops have already been operating on the battlefield for several years.

The system comes in several configurations designed for different military missions.

Some variants are cheaper, simpler in design, and easier to operate. They are intended to engage ground targets or slow-moving aerial targets flying at low altitudes.

Other variants feature significantly enhanced performance characteristics and are designed to effectively intercept high-speed Shahed attack drones at considerable altitudes.

Technical specifications

The Cyclops UAV has a wingspan of just over one meter and can remain airborne for nearly 1.5 hours. It can operate at altitudes higher than the maximum operating ceiling of Russian attack and reconnaissance drones.

According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, the system's operational range is sufficient to provide protection for any regional capital in Ukraine against aerial drone threats.

The UAV's compact size and high speed significantly reduce the risk of it being detected and destroyed by enemy air defense systems.

Which Russian drones can the Cyclops intercept?

The Cyclops V2 UAV has already destroyed more than 100 aerial targets. According to available data, these include:

• Gerbera

• Zala

• Orlan

• Supercam

• Lancet

• Molniya.

Notably, the first Russian Shahed drone shot down over Russia's Kursk region was reportedly intercepted by a Cyclops drone.

Recently, Ukrainian company Dark River unveiled the APUS-1 interceptor drone, designed to counter Shahed attack drones and reconnaissance UAVs. The system is already being used by ten military units.

Earlier, TAF Industries launched serial production of the Octopus-100 interceptor drone, which was developed to destroy jet-powered Shahed drones traveling at high speeds.

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine-s-cyclops-interceptor-joins-fight-1784306317.html

Ukrainian underwater drone Toloka is being updated: what’s new in the TLK-150 model

As already reported, three models of Toloka are being developed:

• TLK 1000;

• TLK 400;

• TLK 150.

The largest TLK 1000, depending on the task, can be from 4 to 12 meters long, and the payload can be up to 5000 kg of warhead. At the same time, the developers wanted to achieve a range of up to 2000 km.

TLK 400 has more modest characteristics: its size can be from 4 to 6 meters, its payload can be up to 500 kg, and its range can be up to 1200 kilometers.

TLK 150: Its length is 2.5 meters, its range was announced at 100 km, and its payload is 20 to 50 kg of explosives.

Although the torpedo drone itself was supposed to be underwater, it still has surface elements: antennas for receiving GPS signals, TV and thermal imaging cameras, and communication equipment.

The propeller for each of the propellers is electric, and you can already see the differences in both its design and power supply:

Also, the vertical and aft horizontal rudders are now located near the thrusters and not in the bow, as on the model demonstrated in 2023.

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukrainian-underwater-drone-toloka-is-being-updated-what-s-new-in-the-tlk-150-model/

Ukraine Developed Sea Trident Heavy Underwater Drone to Destroy Strategic Targets

The SEA TRIDENT is capable of delivering a payload weighing up to 1,000 kg to strategic targets.

Thanks to its ability to move underwater and its low visibility, it can stealthily infiltrate disputed maritime zones.

Its missions may include: conducting strike operations, logistics and cargo delivery, as well as intercepting and neutralizing other unmanned underwater vehicles.

The vehicle is equipped with fully autonomous systems and adaptive navigation, and is capable of carrying out strikes over long distances.

SEA TRIDENT’s technical specifications include a maximum range of 2,000 miles. This allows the vehicle to carry out extended missions.

The submarine weighs 10,000 kg. The vehicle’s dimensions are 10,000 × 2,000 × 1,500 mm.

https://militarnyi.com/en/news/ukraine-sea-trident-drone-strategic-targets/

Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign with a new generation of medium-range strike drones capable of hitting Russian military targets far beyond the front line, according to a report by Business Insider. The development is increasing pressure on Russian logistics by targeting routes and infrastructure previously regarded as relatively secure.

'Free Hunt' Targets Russian Supply Lines

The report says Ukrainian operators are using medium-range drones to conduct what has been described as a "free hunt" against military traffic up to 300 kilometres behind the front. The aim is to disrupt supply routes, transport hubs, warehouses and command posts feeding Russian frontline forces.

Former drone operator Dmytro Zhluktenko, now an analyst with Ukraine's 413th RAID Unmanned Systems Regiment, said some drones can be equipped with Starlink terminals, allowing operators to maintain internet connectivity deep inside occupied territory. He said heavily used military highways present abundant targets, creating what he described as a high-risk zone for Russian logistics.

Russia Faces Growing Defensive Challenge

Military analysts say the emergence of this "middle zone" capability fills the gap between short-range FPV drones used near the battlefield and long-range drones striking air bases and energy infrastructure deep inside Russia.

According to Zhluktenko, Russia lacks a robust defensive network across this broad area because it cannot easily redeploy air defence assets already committed elsewhere. Western analysts cited by the report argue Ukraine's sustained drone campaigns have already stretched Russian air defences, forcing commanders to make increasingly difficult choices over which locations to protect.

Even deploying large numbers of interceptor drones would require substantial resources across a vast area, he said, widening the danger zone for Russian forces regardless of Moscow's response.

New Systems Expand Battlefield Options

Ukraine is continuing to develop unmanned capabilities across multiple fronts. On July 20, Ukrainian marines reportedly launched FPV drones from Barracuda uncrewed surface vessels to strike Russian positions near Zaliznyi Port in the Kherson region.

Although one vessel was destroyed by Russian Lancet loitering munitions, the remaining craft reached their launch point and successfully attacked Russian personnel, equipment and logistics.

The same day, Ukraine's Defence Ministry announced testing of Firefly guided munitions designed to be released from bomber drones at altitudes of up to 800 metres. Officials said the munitions can independently adjust their flight path and maintain accuracy despite electronic warfare interference, underlining Kyiv's continued push to expand its precision strike capabilities.

Ukraine finds a powerful new way to strike deep inside Russia, media says

Ukraine eyes laser defence breakthrough against Shahed drones

Ukraine says it is closing in on a major leap in battlefield technology, with laser weapon systems expected to enter service within months as Kyiv races to counter relentless Russian drone attacks.

Military officials say the new systems are being adapted to destroy Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones, offering a potentially more effective alternative to conventional machine-gun defences.

Laser Programme Gains Momentum

Deputy Commander-in-Chief Brig. Gen. Andrii Lebedenko said Ukraine is pressing ahead with multiple laser weapon projects involving both the Armed Forces and private defence companies.

He described the programme as part of a broader push to develop "weapons of the future", with prototypes already moving beyond the drawing board. According to Lebedenko, the technology is no longer theoretical but is being actively developed and refined.

From FPV Drones to Shaheds

Lebedenko said current laser systems are already capable of shooting down first-person-view (FPV) drones, a growing threat across the front line.

The next challenge is adapting the technology to intercept larger Shahed drones, which Russia has used extensively in long-range strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. He said operational systems capable of engaging those aerial threats could be ready within the next two to three months.

Race to Strengthen Air Defences

The announcement comes as Ukraine continues searching for cheaper and more sustainable ways to defend its skies against increasingly frequent drone attacks.

Laser weapons could reduce reliance on conventional ammunition and provide a rapid-response option against mass drone assaults, although the technology remains under development.

Testing Moves Into the Next Phase

Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov revealed earlier this month that Ukraine had already begun testing laser-based air defence systems.

He said the trials had produced encouraging initial results but did not disclose technical details or operational performance. If the programme stays on schedule, Ukraine could soon become one of the first countries to field laser weapons in active combat against large-scale drone threats.

Ukraine prepares laser weapons to counter Shahed drones: Military reveals timeline