A new defence era is emerging—one defined not by the most expensive systems, but by the most scalable and cost-effective technologies. The rapid proliferation of low-cost drones is reshaping the global security landscape and forcing a fundamental rethink of how modern defence systems are designed, deployed, and sustained. The Rise of Low-Cost Drone Warfare Drones have evolved from niche assets into central components of modern military operations. What makes this shift particularly significant is accessibility. Low-cost unmanned systems can now be produced and deployed at scale, offering capabilities that were once limited to advanced and high-budget platforms. These systems enable: Persistent surveillance Precision targeting Rapid deployment in dynamic environments The result is a shift toward volume-based warfare , where large numbers of inexpensive systems can challenge traditional, high-value assets. The Challenge of Cost Asymmetry As drones become more wides...