How Ukraine created an 'Army of Drones' to take on Russia

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/20/ [login to see] /how-ukraine-created-an-army-of-drones-to-take-on-russia
In the sprawling farmland south of Kyiv, where the sunflowers are just beginning to sprout, Ukraine's drone community gathered to show how the military is upgrading what's already one of its most effective weapons of the war.

Drones are buzzing in every direction on a sultry summer's day, as if someone poked a hornet's nest. And that's exactly the vibe Ukraine's Army of Drones is trying to create.

A combined effort of the military, the government and private groups, the Army of Drones has turned into a substantial military force. It has enlisted actor Mark Hamill, of Star Wars fame, as a spokesman, as well as other celebrity ambassadors. The overall effort is led by the country's 32-year-old deputy prime minister, Mykhailo Fedorov.

"In order to win in this fast-paced technological war, the government needs to think and act as a technology company, to be agile, to make fast decisions and to move faster," Fedorov said.