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On June 1, 2025, Ukraine's 'Operation Spiderweb' involved launching drones from disguised trucks into Russian territory, targeting five Air Force bases and reportedly causing $7 billion in damage. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been termed the 'First Drone War', with advancements in drone technology reshaping warfare and drawing significant investments into Ukrainian defense startups, earning Ukraine the title of 'Silicon Valley of the Defense Industry'.

The government has mobilized IT firms and communities to create hundreds of drone startups, evolving drone capabilities from commercial modifications to strategic weapons, including long-range and underwater drones. By 2025, Ukraine produced over 4 million drones, surpassing European output, despite facing supply chain risks due to dependence on Chinese components. The EU pledged 90 billion euros in loans to Ukraine for 2026-2027 as financial strains mount amidst escalating drone counterattacks from Russia.