Drone Wars

This week on Drone Wars, Tommy Hendrix, managing partner at Decisive Point and the first investor in Firestorm, joins Dan Magee for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of defense technology, autonomy, and venture capital.Tommy shares lessons from his military background and discusses what it takes to build and invest in defense-first startups—especially as the U.S. increasingly turns to commercial innovation pipelines to stay ahead. From evaluating companies working on autonomous systems to exploring the investor mindset around lethal tech, Tommy brings a rare perspective that bridges the battlefield and the boardroom.The episode explores:- Why timing and urgency are critical for defense startups- The unique dynamics of investing in national security tech- How Tommy spots high-impact founders in defense- What’s next for Firestorm and Decisive Point🎧 If you’re building, funding, or tracking the future of military technology—this conversation is essential listening.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.

Explore the transformative world of underwater drones with Nelson Mills, CEO and co-founder of VATN Systems. In this episode, Nelson shares his unique journey from a childhood on the seas to revolutionizing maritime autonomy. Discover how VATN’s scalable and modular technologies are solving the challenges of GPS-denied environments, reducing cognitive load for operators, and enabling mission adaptability. Learn how these advancements support U.S. defense strategies in the Pacific and beyond. Whether you're a defense professional or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of underwater systems.Follow Nelson Mills:Website: https://www.vatnsystems.com/IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millsn/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.

The drone industry isn’t just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about navigating the regulatory minefield that comes with it.In this episode of Drone Wars, Karl Eze, former British Army officer and defense tech innovator, discusses how drone startups struggle with regulations, why governments aren’t keeping up with innovation, and how companies can break into the industry while staying compliant.Follow Karl Eze:Website: https://www.point-zenith.com/karl-ezeIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-eze?originalSubdomain=ukAbout 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.

Join us as we sit down with Karl Eze, a former British Army officer turned drone innovator, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of drone technology. From FPV drones to pixel-lock guidance systems, Karl offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovations in autonomous systems are reshaping modern warfare.Drawing from his military experience and lessons from Ukraine, Karl explains how drones are transforming battlefield tactics, the implications of GPS-denied operations, and the critical need for layered defense systems. He also shares his journey from military service to building solutions for regulatory hurdles and fostering international collaboration in drone racing.Follow Karl Eze:Website: www.point-zenith.com/karl-ezeIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-eze?originalSubdomain=ukAbout 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 episode of the Drone Wars podcast, Alex Bock, Deep Tech Investor at Booz Allen Ventures, takes us on an extraordinary journey through his career in innovation and defense technology. From building jetpacks and tackling the "valley of death" in government acquisitions to driving advancements in autonomous systems, Alex shares hard-earned lessons on risk, adaptability, and collaboration.Dive into topics like modularity in defense, scaling drones for Indo-Pacific challenges, and how startups can navigate federal bureaucracy to deliver cutting-edge solutions. With firsthand insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship, defense, and venture capital, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone shaping or curious about the future of national security.Follow Alex Bock:Website: https://www.boozallen.com/?cid=CACAPRO-CALI-CAWE-Home&source=SNS-17780IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbockAbout 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 episode of Drone Wars, Dan continues his conversation with James Acuna, former CIA Director of Operations turned unmanned warfare expert. They’ll dive into how drone technology is reshaping the battlefield - and what it means for the West.Answering the questions of how Ukraine is revolutionizing drone warfare with unmanned aerial & ground vehicles, what the geopolitical risks of falling behind in unmanned combat are and why the West must adapt to stay ahead of adversaries.Tune in for an insider’s look at the technology reshaping modern warfare!Follow James Acuna:Website: https://balticghostwing.com/IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-acuna-1a07451b5/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.

Join us as we dive into the rapidly evolving world of drone warfare with James Acuna, a veteran of the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and a leading defense consultant in Eastern Europe. In this episode, James discusses how Ukraine has leveraged autonomous systems to reshape the modern battlefield and the critical lessons Western nations must learn to stay ahead in the defense technology race.From integrating unmanned ground and aerial vehicles to countering massed forces with cost-effective solutions, James shares unparalleled insights into the tactical, strategic and technological shifts occurring in modern warfare. Discover why he believes the West must act now to bridge the gap between Eastern innovation and Western application.Follow James Acuna:Website: https://balticghostwing.com/IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-acuna-1a07451b5/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 episode of Drone Wars, Mike Flanigan, CEO and Co-founder of SEASATS, discusses the Lightfish, a 10-foot solar-powered maritime drone transforming industries like defense, energy, and marine research. Learn how Marine Drones are tackling challenges like hurricane forecasting, the war in Ukraine, and the growing demand for innovative autonomous systems.Mike shares lessons from early setbacks, insights on maritime tech advancements, and bold predictions for the future of autonomy at sea. Whether you're in defense, tech, or simply love innovation, this episode dives deep into the cutting edge of drone technology.Follow Mike Flanigan:Website: seasats.comLive Feed: track.seasats.comIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeflan/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.

Chris Miller, joins host Dan Magy for part 2 of their discussion on the future of warfare, from drone cavalry to bottom-up innovation. Learn how military operators can drive change, why embracing small business innovation is critical, and what must happen to overcome institutional resistance. This conversation is a must-listen for defense industry professionals and policymakers navigating the next frontier of military technology.Follow Christopher Miller:His book: https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Secretary-Warnings-Battlefield-Dangerous-ebook/dp/B09N3DL5Z9About 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.

Christopher Miller is a thought leader in defense innovation and the founder of a cutting-edge autonomous systems company. With years of experience in designing scalable technologies, Christopher is at the forefront of developing transformative tools for modern warfare. His insights into the defense industry, from startup challenges to technological advancements, make him a pivotal voice in the conversation about the future of military technology.Follow Christopher Miller:His book: https://www.amazon.com/Soldier-Secretary-Warnings-Battlefield-Dangerous-ebook/dp/B09N3DL5Z9About 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.