November 18, 2025: When the U.S. Army first experimented with 150 Ukrainian type drones, the first thing they noticed was the overview of terrain it provided. This enabled army units to see more of what was in front of them. With this they could more quickly open fire with artillery and destroy enemy vehicles and troops. Then a Ukrainian officer arrived and revealed that the enemy would have drones as well. That means both sides could see what the other side was up to. The Ukrainian visitor pointed out that everyone was constantly in danger of a drone attack in Ukraine. The Americans would have to work harder to prepare themselves for that.

What was happening in Ukraine has already led the army to cancel or modify orders for new weapons and equipment. Orders for the M-10 Booker, a tank-like vehicle described as an assault gun, were cancelled. Same situation with the JLTV or Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. This was a seven ton armored vehicle that could protect the troops it was carrying from mines and roadside bombs. JLTV was very vulnerable to drone attacks. The army had 50,000 JLTVs on order but has cut that to 18,000. This is the number that have already been produced or are in the process of being built.

Instead the army has ordered more of the new Infantry Squad Vehicle. This is similar to a dune buggy and consists of nine seats, some roll bars and an engine. This vehicle depends on speed and maneuverability to keep the troops safe.

Many American soldiers have purchased consumer grade quadcopters and adapted them for combat use. The troops practice with these quadcopters and acquire skills and experiences similar to what their Ukrainian counterparts are undergoing in combat. Some U.S. soldiers have friends or family in Ukraine and can communicate with them via the internet and discuss the realities of drone warfare. Only about 27 percent of Ukrainians understand some English and less than two percent are fluent. More are acquiring English language skills. Ukrainian president Volodomir Zelensky speaks English, but then he was a lawyer, actor and TV producer before being elected president in 2019.

Zelensky has been a big proponent of foreign investment in Ukraine, despite the war. Foreign investors were eager to take advantage of investment opportunities in Ukraine. One of these was adapting Ukrainian drone manufacturing methods for export to other nations. Ukrainians are considered the foremost designers, developers and manufacturers of drones.

As the old saying goes; if you got it, you can sell it.