Drone Wars

This episode marks the beginning of a powerful two-part conversation between Dan Magy and Eric DeMarco, CEO of Kratos Defense. As they reflect on over a decade of strategic growth and technological advancement, Eric shares what it takes to build resilient defense systems in a world facing fast-evolving threats. It’s not just about innovation—it’s about anticipating future conflicts and having the courage and clarity to prepare for them today.Timestamps:0:00 — Eric DeMarco's Journey and Kratos Defense's Growth4:05 — Team and Division Structure at Kratos Defense6:41 — Challenges and Opportunities in the Defense Industry14:57 — Production and Modularity in Unmanned Systems19:09 — Emerging Threats and Technological Advancements#DroneWarsPodcast #KratosDefense #EricDeMarco #MilitaryInnovation #FutureOfWarfare #Hypersonics #DefenseTechnology #AIinWarfare #DroneSwarm #AutonomousSystems #NationalSecurityAbout Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

Part III – Culture, Doctrine, and the Path Forward In the final chapter, Brabner discusses the broader changes needed across policy, training, and recruitment to make drone warfare viable at scale. From launching the National Drone Association to preparing for upcoming international drone competitions, he lays out a vision where unmanned systems are not just tools—but pillars of military readiness. He makes the case for cultural buy-in, smarter procurement, and building a force that wins with autonomy—not despite it.Useful Links & Resources• Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn• National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

Part II – Swarm Tech, Soldier-Led Innovation, and the Tactical Shift Ahead Brabner returns to explore how collaborative autonomy, soldier-driven innovation labs, and evolving doctrine are setting the stage for a major leap in how the Army fights. He discusses the integration of swarm behavior into tactical operations, the importance of bottom-up feedback from NCOs and junior officers, and how today’s decisions will determine whether the U.S. maintains strategic overmatch in future conflicts. It’s a look into the architecture of tomorrow’s battlefield—designed by those who’ve fought on today’s.Useful Links & Resources• Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn• National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

Part I – Redefining Capability: Brabner’s Journey from Infantry to Innovation In this opening conversation, Lt. Col. Michael Brabner reflects on his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and how it fuels his mission to reshape the Army’s approach to unmanned systems. He shares how his transition into acquisition became a strategic move to protect future warfighters—and why the Army’s drone doctrine must evolve quickly or risk falling behind. Brabner explains what capability really means in today’s fight and how his team is working to close critical gaps before they cost lives.Useful Links & Resources• Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn• National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In this gripping episode of Drone Wars, we sit down with two incredible Ukrainian pilots—one of the country's top trainers, having trained over 5,000 pilots, and another, an elite combat pilot. They share their firsthand experiences from the front lines, where drone warfare is evolving in real time.We discuss:The critical mistakes NATO and the U.S. are making in their approach to Ukraine's drone war.Why reliance on GPS in modern warfare is a fatal flaw.The rapid adaptability of drone operators and why they are not in a "safe" profession.How North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine could change the balance of power in East Asia.The role of technology and why immediate, full-scale support is crucial to Ukraine’s survival.This is a must-listen for defense policymakers, military strategists, and anyone interested in the future of warfare.About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In this special episode of Drone Wars, we bring you an inside look at the evolving landscape of drone warfare in Ukraine. Two Ukrainian experts—one of the country’s top pilot trainers and a leading UAV operator—share firsthand experiences from the battlefield. They discuss how drone tactics have evolved, the hidden details that expose enemy positions, and the role of electronic warfare in modern combat.From deceptive Russian hiding tactics to the rapid innovation cycle in drone technology, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of military technology and autonomous warfare. What lessons must NATO and Western allies learn from Ukraine’s fight? And how will AI shape the next stage of drone warfare? Tune in to find out.About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In this gripping episode of Drone Wars, we sit down with Ukrainian UAV operators Dennis and Yuri, who have been at the forefront of adapting drone technology on the front lines in the war in Ukraine. They share their incredible journey—from civilian careers in IT and interior design to becoming critical players in drone operations. Discover how their team trains constantly to stay ahead, how decentralization is key to survival, and why every mission requires meticulous planning. With ever-evolving threats, their insights reveal the future of drone warfare and what it takes to maintain an edge.About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In Part 2 of this Drone Wars double episode, guest Brian Streem returns to explore the widening gap between U.S. defense procurement cycles and the real-time demands of drone warfare.From Ukraine’s open-source FPV innovation to the rise of small, global drone startups, Brian and the hosts dissect how commercial agility is outpacing traditional military processes—and what that means for future conflicts.Topics include:Why the U.S. is struggling to field drones at scaleHow startups are out-innovating multi-billion dollar programsThe cultural mismatch between DOD timelines and battlefield urgencyWhat Ukraine’s drone ecosystem teaches us about asymmetric speed and effectiveness🎧 This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of U.S. defense tech, battlefield innovation, and what comes next in unmanned warfare.Follow Brian Streem:Website: https://www.getvermeer.com/aboutIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianstreemAbout Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In Episode 10 of Drone Wars, we’re joined by Brian Streem, CEO of Vermeer and a leading voice in tactical drone technology. With a background that spans Hollywood filmmaking and cutting-edge drone innovation, Brian brings a unique lens to how first-person-view (FPV) drones are reshaping the battlefield.This episode dives deep into how the war in Ukraine has catalyzed a new phase in drone warfare—one where consumer-grade drones become precision strike assets, and where open-source ingenuity meets frontline necessity.Brian shares insights on:How FPVs are changing the cost-benefit equation of warThe convergence of commercial tech and military strategyHow drone manufacturing and field modification is becoming decentralizedWhat this means for future conflicts and U.S. defense planning🎧 Tune in for a sharp, forward-looking conversation about how drones are transforming both the battlefield—and the defense industry itself.Follow Brian Streem:Website: https://www.getvermeer.com/aboutIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianstreemAbout Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.

In Part 2 of this special Drone Wars episode, the conversation shifts from tactics to power, policy, and accountability in the era of drone-centric conflict.Tommy Hendrix, managing partner at Decisive Point and the first investor in Firestorm, breaks down how Israel’s drone operations in Gaza reveal deep gaps between military innovation and international law, and how those gaps are exploited—not just by states, but also by non-state actors and information operations.Key topics include:The disappearance of deterrence and escalation thresholdsHow drones are testing the limits of proportionality, transparency, and legalityThe tension between strategic effectiveness and the erosion of global normsWhy open-source intelligence and public perception are now part of every strike🎧 Listen to Part 2 for an unflinching look at the geopolitical ripple effects of modern drone warfare—and what it means for future conflicts.Follow Tommy Hendrix:Website: https://www.decisivepoint.com/team/thomas-hendrixIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasehendrix/About Drone Wars Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.