Ukraine's Drone Makers: From Basements to Battlefields

In Ukraine, a quiet revolution is happening. What started as small, volunteer-run drone workshops in basements has turned into a booming defense industry. Among the many companies that have emerged, Fire Point stands out. This company, once a casting agency, now has a billion-dollar contract to supply drones to the Ukrainian military. Fire Point's drones are simple but effective. They are made from cheap materials like Styrofoam, plywood, and even carbon fiber meant for bicycles. These drones are used to attack Russian oil refineries, causing economic damage and giving Ukraine an edge in peace talks. The company is also working on a larger, longer-range drone called the Flamingo, which could strike deeper into Russia. But Fire Point's rapid rise has not been without controversy. The company has been accused of using connections to win contracts. It has also faced questions about the quality of its drones. Critics say that Fire Point's drones are less successful than other Ukrainian options in penetrating Russian air defenses. Despite these issues, Fire Point claims that its drones are now reliably causing damage to Russian targets. The Ukrainian government has encouraged the growth of these defense start-ups. It has channeled billions of dollars to domestic arms makers, moving away from relying on international allies. This shift has raised concerns about corruption in defense procurement. Analysts and activists are questioning how the government is awarding military contracts and where the profits are going. Fire Point's story is part of a larger trend in Ukraine. The country has seen a surge in arms manufacturing companies, with more than 2, 000 companies now designing or making weapons. This rapid commercialization has caught the attention of potential investors and Western joint venture partners. Norway and Ukraine recently announced a fund for angel investments in Norwegian and Ukrainian drone start-ups. The Ukrainian approach to long-range drones was first pioneered by Russia using low-cost Iranian-designed models. The tactic is about volume. Most of the drones are intercepted, so they must remain cheap. But some get through, and unlike an airplane, an exploding drone has to work only once. Fire Point's drones now conduct 60 percent of Ukraine's attacks inside Russia. This has put Russia, a country that prides itself on its air defenses, under daily bombardment. Despite the controversy, Fire Point and other drone makers are seen as national heroes. They have evened the odds against Russia's larger army and changed military analysts' views of the future of war.