Business Daily Drones: Who is making the new weapons of war?
Nov 13, 2025
Stacey Petitjohn, Director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, delves into drone warfare trends. Oleg Vornik, CEO of DroneShield, shares insights on counter-drone technology and its rapid growth, especially in Ukraine. Ksenia Kalmas, a former floral artist turned drone manufacturer, discusses her venture, Clin Drones, highlighting production challenges amidst conflict. Together, they explore how drones are reshaping modern warfare, the advantages of jamming technology, and the rise of DIY drone production in Ukraine.
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Grassroots Drone Manufacturing Boom
- Ukraine grew from fewer than 10 drone makers pre-2022 to hundreds, creating a sprawling ecosystem.
- Small producers now churn out large numbers of low-cost kamikaze quadcopters that shape battlefield outcomes.
Kamikaze Drones Fill Artillery Gaps
- The bulk of documented drone production comprises cheap, first-person-view kamikaze quadcopters used when artillery is scarce.
- These low-cost drones became the go-to weapon because they fill gaps in conventional munitions supply.
Florist Turned Drone Manufacturer
- Ksenia Kalmas shifted from running a flower shop in Kyiv to producing drones for Ukraine after the 2022 invasion.
- She and many friends repurposed civilian skills into drone production as a matter of national survival.