The war in Ukraine has brought drones into sharp focus due to their military applications. But behind the explosion of these devices lies an entire industry, a market, and an ecosystem of high economic value. The market is certainly relevant. Publicly traded drone manufacturers have seen their stock market value skyrocket since Russia invaded Ukraine. And even more so since it was proven that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) costing less than $1,000 can disable a tank worth over two million dollars. Since February 2022, the leading drone companies listed on Wall Street have seen their stock prices rise by an average of more than 650%. On average, drone companies have increased their market value more than sevenfold. We're talking about companies like Red Cat Holdings, AeroVironment, Kratos Defense, the drone anti-aircraft company DroneShield (also listed in Australia), and others with smaller market capitalizations like Duke Robotics (UAS Drone Corp.). Their combined market capitalization was less than €4 billion when Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Today, that sum exceeds $32 billion.

Artillery is no longer the weapon system that kills the most soldiers in a war. It was the deadliest since World War I, but that has changed. The Great War was also the first stage for large-scale trench warfare, with vast groups of soldiers fighting fiercely for every inch of ground. The front line was clear and defined: it was where the trenches of the opposing armies were located. Now the front is diffuse and much wider. Electronic eyes monitor every corner of a large battlefield. Soldiers must act in small groups and with great speed, trying to avoid attracting attention. They camouflage themselves as best they can and cover themselves with nets, which have become a key defense strategy, even for blocking roads and basic infrastructure.