Insider: Short of War

Irregular Warfare Initiative

Defense Industrial Mobilization Needs More than Startups and Drones

SEP 21, 202622 MIN

Description

In this episode based on the article "Defense industrial mobilization needs more than startups and drones," we examine the balance between emerging defense tech startups and foundational procurement institutions. We explore why cheap drones and venture capital are insufficient for sustaining long-term military capability, analyze recent policy trends across major and middle powers, and discuss practical acquisition reforms for resource-constrained states.