Tech

Cheap drones flip the economics of air defense

Ukraine’s drones revolutionise air defence, intercepting threats cheaply while altering warfare economics amid ongoing Russian assaults

Published

3 weeks ago

December 23, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Ukraine’s drones revolutionise air defence, intercepting threats cheaply while altering warfare economics amid ongoing Russian assaults

In Short:
– Ukraine increased drone production to 950 daily, intercepting 1,500 enemy drones recently during ongoing Russian attacks.
– New interceptors, costing $1,000-$5,000, highlight a shift in defence economics, with 68% success rates reported.

Ukraine has significantly increased production of low-cost interceptor drones, reaching almost 950 units daily. This surge comes as Russian attacks persist, targeting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The drones, costing around $1,000 each, have successfully downed over 1,500 enemy drones recently, preserving more expensive missiles for higher threats.On December 21-22, Russian forces launched 86 attack drones, and Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 58 of them. This attack pattern has escalated throughout 2025, with Russia deploying about 5,500 Shahed-type drones monthly against Ukraine.

The interceptors evolved from prototypes to mass production within months in 2025, marking a significant shift in modern warfare. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry collaborates with over 10 manufacturers producing drones designed to counter Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles.

New Technology

The Sting, developed by the volunteer initiative Wild Hornets, illustrates this advancement. Resembling a flying thermos and built on a 17-inch frame, the quadcopter can reach speeds of 315 kilometers per hour and engage targets from 25 kilometers away. Operators control the drones using virtual reality goggles, impacting enemy aircraft mid-flight.

“Every destroyed target is something that did not hit our homes or power plants,” said a commander with the call sign Loi.

The financial aspects favour defenders, reversing traditional air defence economics. Ukrainian interceptors range from $1,000 to $5,000, while Russian Shahed drones cost around $35,000. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that the success rate for interceptor drones is currently 68 percent.

“Cheap interceptor drones have become critical, warranting their status as a cornerstone of modern counter-unmanned aerial systems,” stated defense analyst Federico Borsari. NATO has observed successful Sting demonstrations, while the European Union plans a “drone wall” along its eastern border, expected to be operational by late 2027.

Tech

Global memory chip shortage set to drive electronics prices higher

Global memory chip shortage raises electronics prices; impacts PCs, smartphones, and likely continues until 2026.

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Global memory chip shortage raises electronics prices; impacts PCs, smartphones, and likely continues until 2026.

A severe global shortage of memory chips is sending shockwaves through the electronics industry, causing prices to rise across consumer devices. Experts warn that this shortage will continue until at least 2026, affecting everything from PCs to smartphones.

Major manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics, have reported record profits but caution that rising memory chip prices could put further pressure on the sector. This shortage is largely driven by AI technology demands, forcing companies to rethink production priorities.

Consumers should expect higher costs for electronics in the coming months, with price increases likely to continue through the end of 2026.

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Tech

CES 2026 Highlights: AI, robotics, and the future of innovation

CES 2026 explores AI, robotics, and sustainability, reshaping the global economy and redefining productivity and market dynamics.

Published

5 days ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

CES 2026 explores AI, robotics, and sustainability, reshaping the global economy and redefining productivity and market dynamics

CES 2026 in Las Vegas is showing how technology is not just shaping consumer products but redefining the global economy. From AI breakthroughs to robotics innovations, the event highlights how new technologies are changing the way we work, move, and invest.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies joins us to share his insights on the biggest trends driving this transformation.

The event underscores the growing role of AI in shaping both market dynamics and consumer demand patterns, signalling a new era of innovation.

Robotics, mobility, and sustainability are also at the forefront. From real-time AI-driven mobility tech to energy-efficient computing, CES demonstrates how emerging technologies are integrating across sectors. Brad discusses the intersections of technology, sustainability, and capital expenditure, revealing how these trends are set to reshape productivity paradigms and sector leadership in the coming years.

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Tech

CES 2026 opens with AI powering the future of tech

AI dominates CES 2026 in Las Vegas, shaping future tech with smarter, personalized products for everyday use.

Published

5 days ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI dominates CES 2026 in Las Vegas, shaping future tech with smarter, personalized products for everyday use.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show has officially opened in Las Vegas, with artificial intelligence taking centre stage across nearly every major product category on display. From consumer gadgets to enterprise tools, AI is shaping how technology is designed, used and experienced.

Major tech companies are showcasing smarter, faster and more personalised products, highlighting how AI is moving beyond concepts and into everyday applications. The focus this year is on practicality, efficiency, and seamless integration into daily life.

As CES continues, the event is setting the tone for where technology is heading in 2026, with AI no longer an add-on but a foundation for innovation.

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#CES2026 #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #Innovation #FutureTech #LasVegas #AIRevolution #Ticker