The front line basements where Ukraine specializes in electronic warfare

"Kibenok represents one of the thousands of links in the makeshift chain of almost homegrown weapons manufacturers who, alongside the defense industry with its cutting-edge technology, confront the invader. In 2015, he made a name for himself as a soldier thanks to his knowledge of the terrain and the Kremlin, he claims, even offered $25,000 for his head."

"In the new arms race, drones cheap and effective are gaining ground over artillery, missiles, and fighter jets. This has placed Kyiv in a privileged position. Its experience has been evident since Iran began defending itself against attacks from the United States and Israel with the same suicide drones that Moscow has been using to punish Ukraine for four years."

Andrey Kibenok, a 38-year-old Ukrainian soldier with no prior technical background, now runs a workshop manufacturing anti-drone systems in the Donetsk region. After the 2022 invasion, he became interested in drone technology, initially disassembling and analyzing captured drones before developing methods to counter them. Kibenok represents thousands of soldiers engaged in makeshift weapons manufacturing alongside Ukraine's defense industry. Though health issues prevent frontline combat, he continues adapting to military needs. Drones have become central to modern warfare, offering cost-effectiveness compared to traditional artillery and missiles. Ukraine's drone expertise has gained international recognition, with specialists now assisting Iran against similar threats, demonstrating the strategic importance of this emerging technology in contemporary conflict.

Read at english.elpais.com