Drones and robots: How the Ukraine war is driving technological innovation
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has ignited significant technological transformations across the defence industry and military innovation in Europe. The conflict has led to a surge in Western countries' investments in defence, particularly in the development of military drones. The global military drone market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Estonian startup Marduk Technologies has created the 'Marduk Shark,' a mobile system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing drones up to 5 km away, which is now being used in Ukraine. Unmanned ground vehicles, like Milrem Robotics 'TheMis UGV,' have also gained prominence for their use in bomb disposal and intelligence gathering. The conflict has spurred a creative surge in the defence tech industry, particularly in Estonia, where the perception of defence has shifted from insignificance to a vital aspect of national security. Additionally, NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) reflects a broader shift in military attitudes toward disruptive technologies, making militaries more open to technological innovation.