Afleveringen
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Part II: Autonomy, Spectrum Warfare, and the Next Generation of Defense
In this special two-part edition of Drone Wars, host Dan Magy continues his conversation with Nathan Mintz, defense tech entrepreneur and CEO of CX2, exploring the tactical and strategic frontiers of modern warfare. T
his episode focuses on the rising importance of human-machine teaming, drone autonomy in GPS-denied environments, and how spectrum dominance is becoming essential to battlefield success.
The discussion also highlights El Segundoâs transformation into a thriving hub for national security innovation, alongside a broader cultural shift that is drawing a new generation of technologists into the defense space.
Timestamps:
00:00 â The cost mismatch of modern missiles vs. drones
01:50 â Human factors and operator cognitive load in drone warfare
04:15 â Terrain-following autonomy and SLAM technology
07:08 â Autonomous agents and decision-making at the edge
09:55 â Spectrum as a 3D battlespace and tactical awareness
12:15 â El Segundo as a defense innovation hub
15:30 â Hackathons, young talent, and defense industry appeal
18:20 â Reflections on startup culture and national defense missions
#DroneWars #NathanMintz #DefenseTech #FirestormDrones #ElectronicWarfare #StartupToScale #DeepTech #UnmannedSystems #ModernWarfare #ElSegundo #militaryinnovationAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Part I: From Defense Primes to Deep Tech Startups
In this special two-part edition of Drone Wars, host Dan Magy sits down with defense tech entrepreneur Nathan Mintz, CEO of CX2, for a wide-ranging conversation on innovation, autonomy, and the evolving front lines of national security.
Nathan reflects on his early engineering work at Boeing and Raytheon, then dives into his transition into the startup world.
He shares the founding stories of Epirusârecognized for pioneering microwave weaponryâand Spartan, which delivered defense-grade radar into the commercial market.
The discussion explores how lean, capital-efficient startups are stretching the boundaries of modern military technology and redefining how innovation moves from concept to deployment.
Timestamps:
00:00 â Welcome and Nathan Mintz's early background
02:18 â Working on radar systems at Boeing and Raytheon
05:30 â Epirus: Founding, fundraising, and microwave breakthroughs
10:04 â Building Spartan: Startups in automotive radar and defense
13:56 â CX2 and rethinking spectrum operations
17:20 â Why defense innovation needs capital efficiency
21:10 â What Ukraine taught us about spectrum warfare
#DroneWars #NathanMintz #DefenseTech #FirestormDrones #ElectronicWarfare #StartupToScale #DeepTech #UnmannedSystems #ModernWarfare #ElSegundo #MilitaryInnovationAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Part II: Attritable Warfare, UGVs, and the Future of Combat
In Part II, Sam Bendett returns to break down the real-time innovation shaping Russia and Ukraine's unmanned arsenals.
We examine the shift to fiber optic-controlled drones, the rising role of attritable assets, and how military bureaucracies are struggling to keep up with front-line innovation. Sam explains how Ukraineâs âBrave Oneâ platform is setting a new standard for rapid drone deployment and feedback integration.
He also highlights the strategic shift toward unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), the use of drones in combined-arms operations, and the challenges Western defense tech faces in high-EW environments.
This episode paints a vivid picture of the next phase in warfareâwhere adaptability and scale matter more than sophistication.
Timestamps:
0:00 â Why Ukraineâs drone acquisition cycle is so fast
1:42 â Russiaâs ad hoc production networks
3:34 â Russian adaptability and the âfrozen middleâ
5:53 â Ukraineâs Brave One platform and digital coordination
8:04 â Parallels with WWII and lessons in attrition
11:45 â EW and GPS spoofing: the invisible battle
15:13 â Balancing cost vs effectiveness in drone design
17:32 â Rise of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs)
20:07 â Ukraineâs fully unmanned assault tests
21:13 â Where to follow Sam Bendett
#DroneWarsPodcast #SamBendett #DroneWarfare #UkraineWar #RussianMilitary #OpenSourceIntel #UnmannedSystems #FiberOpticDrones #ElectronicWarfare #UGVs #DroneTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #ISR #AttritableDronesAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Part I: OSINT, Telegram Warfare & Tactical Innovation
In Part I of our conversation with Sam Bendett, we dive deep into how the war in Ukraine is being shaped not only on the battlefieldâbut online.
Sam, a leading expert in open-source intelligence and Russian military adaptation, breaks down how Telegram and other platforms have become real-time war theaters. He explains how grassroots innovation from soldiers, startups, and volunteers is overtaking traditional top-down military systems.
We explore how the fusion of commercial drone tech and DIY ingenuity is rapidly evolving combat strategy, and how China has become the silent enabler of both sidesâ drone fleets.
If you want to understand the open-source dynamics behind the worldâs most tech-driven war, this episode is your entry point.
Timestamps:
0:00 â Intro & Who is Sam Bendett?
2:15 â Samâs background in Russian military tech and open-source intelligence
5:13 â The role of Telegram in modern warfare
7:37 â How quickly the battlefield evolves
10:20 â China's silent role in drone supply chains
13:38 â Integration of commercial tech into military strategy
17:49 â The legacy of quadcopters in artillery
19:09 â Long-term outlook: Is this the new norm?
#DroneWarsPodcast #SamBendett #DroneWarfare #UkraineWar #RussianMilitary #OpenSourceIntel #UnmannedSystems #FiberOpticDrones #ElectronicWarfare #UGVs #DroneTechnology #MilitaryInnovation #ISR #AttritableDrones #WarfareInnovationAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Autonomous Frontlines and the Rise of Stark: Florian Seibel on the Future of Drone Warfare
Florian Seibel returns for part two of our Drone Wars conversation to unpack the deeper implications of autonomy in warfare and the launch of his new company, Stark. He discusses why gamified training, fast software cycles, and modular drone design are critical to staying ahead.
Dan and Florian also explore ESG constraints in Europe, the ethics of AI on the battlefield, and how Western nations can compete with Chinaâs rapidly evolving drone programs.
A brutally honest look at what it takes to innovate when the stakes are highest.
Timestamps:
1:53 â The Importance of Training and Software in Drone Operations
3:47 â The Vision for Stark and the Challenges of Dual-Use Companies
7:55 â Changes in European Discussions on Drones and Loitering Munitions
10:13 â The Role of Autonomous Systems in Future Conflicts
13:10 â The Impact of Ukraine's Independence on Drone Technology
15:36 â The Balance Between Price and Performance in Drone Systems
17:44 â Advice for DOD and Military Officials on Autonomous Systems Procurement
19:26 â The Challenges of Getting on the Blue UAS List
20:41 â Connecting with Florian Seibel and Quantum Systems
đïž Guest: Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems (https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-seibel-8a78b99b/)
đïž Host: Dan Magy, CEO of Firestorm
#DroneWarfare #AutonomousSystems #LoiteringMunition #StarkDrones #MilitaryAI #DefenseTech #FPV #QuantumSystemsAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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From Startup to Battlefield: Florian Seibel on Building Drones That Actually Work in War
In this episode of Drone Wars, Dan Magy sits down with Florian Seibel, CEO and co-founder of Quantum Systems, to talk about what it takes to build drone systems that actually survive in combat.
Florian shares the journey from struggling startup to a critical player in Ukraineâs defense, the lessons learned from early failures in hostile EW environments, and how Quantum built an agile, software-driven drone architecture that adapts to real-world needs.
From dual-use challenges in Europe to defense procurement gaps in the West, this conversation dives deep into the hard realities of modern drone warfare.
Timestamps:
0:00 â Florian Seibel's Background and Quantum Systems
3:02 â Building a Defense Company in Europe
5:03 â Quantum Systems' Commitment to Ukraine
10:51 â Operational Challenges in Ukraine
14:47 â Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
17:11 â Industrial Base and Software-Defined Defense
19:03 â Challenges with Certification and Regulation
đïž Guest: Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems (https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-seibel-8a78b99b/)
đïž Host: Dan Magy, CEO of Firestorm
#DroneWars #QuantumSystems #Ukraine #MilitaryTech #LoiteringMunition #DefenseInnovationAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In the second half of their conversation, Dan Magy and Eric DeMarco look ahead. As CEO of Kratos Defense, Eric reflects on how preparation and urgency are now collidingâand the future is no longer theoretical.
They dig into drone swarms, hypersonics, and the role of AI in modern conflict, along with the ethical dilemmas those technologies bring. Eric speaks not only as a builder of systems, but as someone whoâs learned the value of patience in a world racing to innovate. This episode asks what it really means to stay ready when the stakes keep rising.
Timestamps:
0:00 â Kratos Defense and Fiber Optic Drones
3:29 â Challenges of Distance and Unmanned Systems
5:44 â Autonomy and Policy Considerations
8:18 â Autonomy Companies and Market Dynamics
14:32 â Entrepreneurial Advice and Kratos' Future
#DroneWarsPodcast #KratosDefense #EricDeMarco #MilitaryInnovation #FutureOfWarfare #Hypersonics #DefenseTechnology #AIinWarfare #DroneSwarm #AutonomousSystems #NationalSecurityAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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This episode marks the beginning of a powerful two-part conversation between Dan Magy and Eric DeMarco, CEO of Kratos Defense. As they reflect on over a decade of strategic growth and technological advancement, Eric shares what it takes to build resilient defense systems in a world facing fast-evolving threats. Itâs not just about innovationâitâs about anticipating future conflicts and having the courage and clarity to prepare for them today.
Timestamps:
0:00 â Eric DeMarco's Journey and Kratos Defense's Growth
4:05 â Team and Division Structure at Kratos Defense
6:41 â Challenges and Opportunities in the Defense Industry
14:57 â Production and Modularity in Unmanned Systems
19:09 â Emerging Threats and Technological Advancements
#DroneWarsPodcast #KratosDefense #EricDeMarco #MilitaryInnovation #FutureOfWarfare #Hypersonics #DefenseTechnology #AIinWarfare #DroneSwarm #AutonomousSystems #NationalSecurityAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Part III â Culture, Doctrine, and the Path Forward
In the final chapter, Brabner discusses the broader changes needed across policy, training, and recruitment to make drone warfare viable at scale.
From launching the National Drone Association to preparing for upcoming international drone competitions, he lays out a vision where unmanned systems are not just toolsâbut pillars of military readiness.
He makes the case for cultural buy-in, smarter procurement, and building a force that wins with autonomyânot despite it.
Useful Links & Resources
âą Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn
âą National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Part II â Swarm Tech, Soldier-Led Innovation, and the Tactical Shift Ahead
Brabner returns to explore how collaborative autonomy, soldier-driven innovation labs, and evolving doctrine are setting the stage for a major leap in how the Army fights.
He discusses the integration of swarm behavior into tactical operations, the importance of bottom-up feedback from NCOs and junior officers, and how todayâs decisions will determine whether the U.S. maintains strategic overmatch in future conflicts.
Itâs a look into the architecture of tomorrowâs battlefieldâdesigned by those whoâve fought on todayâs.
Useful Links & Resources
âą Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn
âą National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Part I â Redefining Capability: Brabnerâs Journey from Infantry to Innovation
In this opening conversation, Lt. Col. Michael Brabner reflects on his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan and how it fuels his mission to reshape the Armyâs approach to unmanned systems.
He shares how his transition into acquisition became a strategic move to protect future warfightersâand why the Armyâs drone doctrine must evolve quickly or risk falling behind.
Brabner explains what capability really means in todayâs fight and how his team is working to close critical gaps before they cost lives.
Useful Links & Resources
âą Lt. Col. Michael Brabner on LinkedIn
âą National Drone Association (NDA)About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In this gripping episode of Drone Wars, we sit down with two incredible Ukrainian pilotsâone of the country's top trainers, having trained over 5,000 pilots, and another, an elite combat pilot. They share their firsthand experiences from the front lines, where drone warfare is evolving in real time.
We discuss:
The critical mistakes NATO and the U.S. are making in their approach to Ukraine's drone war.Why reliance on GPS in modern warfare is a fatal flaw.The rapid adaptability of drone operators and why they are not in a "safe" profession.How North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine could change the balance of power in East Asia.The role of technology and why immediate, full-scale support is crucial to Ukraineâs survival.This is a must-listen for defense policymakers, military strategists, and anyone interested in the future of warfare.
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In this special episode of Drone Wars, we bring you an inside look at the evolving landscape of drone warfare in Ukraine. Two Ukrainian expertsâone of the countryâs top pilot trainers and a leading UAV operatorâshare firsthand experiences from the battlefield. They discuss how drone tactics have evolved, the hidden details that expose enemy positions, and the role of electronic warfare in modern combat.
From deceptive Russian hiding tactics to the rapid innovation cycle in drone technology, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of military technology and autonomous warfare. What lessons must NATO and Western allies learn from Ukraineâs fight? And how will AI shape the next stage of drone warfare? Tune in to find out.
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In this gripping episode of Drone Wars, we sit down with Ukrainian UAV operators Dennis and Yuri, who have been at the forefront of adapting drone technology on the front lines in the war in Ukraine. They share their incredible journeyâfrom civilian careers in IT and interior design to becoming critical players in drone operations. Discover how their team trains constantly to stay ahead, how decentralization is key to survival, and why every mission requires meticulous planning. With ever-evolving threats, their insights reveal the future of drone warfare and what it takes to maintain an edge.
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In Part 2 of this Drone Wars double episode, guest Brian Streem returns to explore the widening gap between U.S. defense procurement cycles and the real-time demands of drone warfare.
From Ukraineâs open-source FPV innovation to the rise of small, global drone startups, Brian and the hosts dissect how commercial agility is outpacing traditional military processesâand what that means for future conflicts.
Topics include:
Why the U.S. is struggling to field drones at scaleHow startups are out-innovating multi-billion dollar programsThe cultural mismatch between DOD timelines and battlefield urgencyWhat Ukraineâs drone ecosystem teaches us about asymmetric speed and effectivenessđ§ This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of U.S. defense tech, battlefield innovation, and what comes next in unmanned warfare.
Follow Brian Streem:
Website: https://www.getvermeer.com/about
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianstreem
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In Episode 10 of Drone Wars, weâre joined by Brian Streem, CEO of Vermeer and a leading voice in tactical drone technology. With a background that spans Hollywood filmmaking and cutting-edge drone innovation, Brian brings a unique lens to how first-person-view (FPV) drones are reshaping the battlefield.
This episode dives deep into how the war in Ukraine has catalyzed a new phase in drone warfareâone where consumer-grade drones become precision strike assets, and where open-source ingenuity meets frontline necessity.
Brian shares insights on:
How FPVs are changing the cost-benefit equation of warThe convergence of commercial tech and military strategyHow drone manufacturing and field modification is becoming decentralizedWhat this means for future conflicts and U.S. defense planningđ§ Tune in for a sharp, forward-looking conversation about how drones are transforming both the battlefieldâand the defense industry itself.
Follow Brian Streem:
Website: https://www.getvermeer.com/about
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianstreem
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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In Part 2 of this special Drone Wars episode, the conversation shifts from tactics to power, policy, and accountability in the era of drone-centric conflict.
Tommy Hendrix, managing partner at Decisive Point and the first investor in Firestorm, breaks down how Israelâs drone operations in Gaza reveal deep gaps between military innovation and international law, and how those gaps are exploitedânot just by states, but also by non-state actors and information operations.
Key topics include:
The disappearance of deterrence and escalation thresholdsHow drones are testing the limits of proportionality, transparency, and legalityThe tension between strategic effectiveness and the erosion of global normsWhy open-source intelligence and public perception are now part of every strikeđ§ Listen to Part 2 for an unflinching look at the geopolitical ripple effects of modern drone warfareâand what it means for future conflicts.
Follow Tommy Hendrix:
Website: https://www.decisivepoint.com/team/thomas-hendrix
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasehendrix/
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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This week on Drone Wars, Tommy Hendrix, managing partner at Decisive Point and the first investor in Firestorm, joins Dan Magee for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of defense technology, autonomy, and venture capital.
Tommy shares lessons from his military background and discusses what it takes to build and invest in defense-first startupsâespecially as the U.S. increasingly turns to commercial innovation pipelines to stay ahead. From evaluating companies working on autonomous systems to exploring the investor mindset around lethal tech, Tommy brings a rare perspective that bridges the battlefield and the boardroom.
The episode explores:
- Why timing and urgency are critical for defense startups
- The unique dynamics of investing in national security tech
- How Tommy spots high-impact founders in defense
- Whatâs next for Firestorm and Decisive Point
đ§ If youâre building, funding, or tracking the future of military technologyâthis conversation is essential listening.
Follow Tommy Hendrix:
Website: https://www.decisivepoint.com/team/thomas-hendrix
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasehendrix/About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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Explore the transformative world of underwater drones with Nelson Mills, CEO and co-founder of VATN Systems. In this episode, Nelson shares his unique journey from a childhood on the seas to revolutionizing maritime autonomy. Discover how VATNâs scalable and modular technologies are solving the challenges of GPS-denied environments, reducing cognitive load for operators, and enabling mission adaptability. Learn how these advancements support U.S. defense strategies in the Pacific and beyond. Whether you're a defense professional or a tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of underwater systems.
Follow Nelson Mills:
Website: https://www.vatnsystems.com/
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millsn/
About Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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The drone industry isnât just about cutting-edge technologyâitâs about navigating the regulatory minefield that comes with it.
In this episode of Drone Wars, Karl Eze, former British Army officer and defense tech innovator, discusses how drone startups struggle with regulations, why governments arenât keeping up with innovation, and how companies can break into the industry while staying compliant.
Follow Karl Eze:
Website: https://www.point-zenith.com/karl-eze
IN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-eze?originalSubdomain=ukAbout Drone Wars
Firestorm Studios brings you The Drone Wars Podcast, a show that explores all facets of autonomous systems - ground, air, and sea - and their transformative impact on various aspects of human life, from agriculture to warfare. We feature interviews with CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives from the world's leading autonomy and robotics companies.
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