Drone Wars Drone Dominance: Inside Ukraine and Russia’s Tech Arms Race - Sam Bendett | Part I
May 28, 2025
In this engaging conversation, guest Sam Bendett, an expert in open-source intelligence and Russian military technology, discusses the evolving landscape of warfare in Ukraine. He reveals how platforms like Telegram serve as real-time battlefronts, fueled by grassroots innovation from soldiers and volunteers. Bent on rapid adaptation, he highlights China’s role in drone supply chains and the seismic shift towards integrating commercial technology into military strategies. Dive into the fusion of DIY ingenuity and advanced tech reshaping modern combat!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Disaster Drones To War Analysis
- Sam recounts his early work studying commercial drones and crowdsourcing in disaster response around 2009–2011.
- That background converged with his Russia expertise after he joined CNA in 2016, shaping his current open-source analysis.
Social Media As The New Frontline
- Telegram and other social platforms have turned into real-time battlefields where units and volunteers publish frontline footage and claims.
- Sam Bendett warns this content is partial and biased because it highlights successes and omits many failures.
Rapid Iteration Drives Tactical Change
- The battlefield changes rapidly in seesaw cycles as one side fields an advantage and the other develops counters.
- Bendett attributes this pace to commercial tech and grassroots innovators who iterate far faster than defense industries.