In a conflict where drones are used by the thousands, the ability to produce, update and sustain systems at scale matters as much as performance.
By Skyrivet2 min read
Recent conflicts have shown that drones are consumed in very large numbers. Many are lost to jamming, interception or accidents within days of reaching the front. In that environment, the best design in the world has limited value if it cannot be produced in the quantities needed and kept up to date as threats change.
Cost per unit
When systems are expected to be lost, the cost of each unit becomes a strategic question. Designs that rely on rare, expensive components are hard to replace at the rate they are used. Designs built around widely available parts and simple assembly can be produced faster and in larger numbers.
Supply chains
Volume depends on components: electronics, motors, batteries, sensors. A supply chain that depends on a single source, or on suppliers outside Europe, is a risk in a crisis. Secure, diverse supply chains are part of the capability, not a back-office detail.
Designing for change
Threats and countermeasures evolve in weeks, not years. Hardware and software that can be updated quickly, without redesigning the whole system, keep equipment relevant for longer. That also helps buyers avoid ending up with large stocks of systems that are already out of date.
Europe’s industrial base
European governments are investing heavily in defense production, including drones and counter-drone systems. Turning that investment into capability depends on manufacturers who can scale up reliably and keep quality consistent as volumes grow.
Skyrivet develops software for the drones and counter-drone systems that European forces need. Software that can be updated quickly, across platforms, helps that equipment stay relevant as it is produced at scale.
