Ukraine has used malware-equipped drones to disrupt Russian attempts to reuse or reverse-engineer technology, showcasing a new frontier in cyber-physical warfare.
The malware-equipped drones employ a tiered strategy with three primary variants of malware, including hardware sabotage, system lockout, and covert cyber espionage.
Ukraine's approach limits Russia's ability to reverse-engineer the technology and delays the development of effective counter-drone measures.
This situation highlights the need for diversified supply chains, enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and domestic manufacturing investments in the global drone industry to mitigate disruption risks.