The IQT Podcast IQT Explains: The Importance of an Agile Arsenal, Part 2
Aug 19, 2025
Lorenz Meier, Co-founder and CEO of Auterion, shares his firsthand experiences from operations in Kyiv, highlighting how agile engineering has transformed battlefield dynamics. Rob Rainhart, the Chief Operating Officer at Auterion, delves into the global shifts in defense strategies post-Ukraine, affecting areas from the U.S. to the Indo-Pacific. They discuss the staggering increase in drone production and the evolving role of AI in military tactics, emphasizing the need for interoperability and innovative approaches in modern warfare.
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Drone Production Has Entered Exponential Mode
- Drone production and deployment have surged dramatically worldwide, reshaping modern battlefields.
- Ukraine scaled monthly UAV output from ~20,000 to ~200,000 and plans millions more, forcing global strategic shifts.
Leading From The Front In Kyiv
- Lorenz Meier moved to Kyiv and led forward-deployed engineering to rapidly iterate drone software with frontline units.
- That approach scaled deployment from dozens to tens of thousands while learning harsh operational lessons in real time.
Iterate Fast And Push Software Updates
- Do adopt rapid iteration cycles and deploy early to gather frontline feedback before scale.
- Use those learnings to push software and avionics updates across fleets rather than waiting to redesign hardware.