Chinese scientists are proposing upgrades to their drone technology based on lessons learned from the Ukraine war, reflecting a broader global focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern conflict. Ukraine has developed a layered drone defense system spanning over 1,000 kilometers of its frontline, described as Europe’s first technology-based frontline defense, which played a key role in halting Russia's major offensive in 2024. Ukrainian women have become prominent as precision drone pilots and artillery officers, with volunteer numbers reaching 100,000 since combat roles were opened to them in 2018. Meanwhile, Russia has enhanced both the quantity and quality of its drones, improving systems to counteract jamming efforts by Ukrainian forces. Moscow is relying heavily on the long-range kamikaze drone Shahed, an Iranian design augmented with inexpensive Chinese components, hoping it will be a decisive weapon to force Ukraine’s surrender. Ukrainian troops are also innovating, recently testing a robotic air-defense vehicle equipped with Igla man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), enabling remote strikes against enemy aircraft. Additionally, Russian soldiers have adopted new tactics involving helmets fitted with antennas, which have surprised Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.