We went back to Ukraine and were stunned at how much its weapons have evolved in just one year

Ukrainian forces have experienced a remarkable transformation in their weaponry over the span of just one year, as revealed during a recent visit by Business Insider journalists Robert Leslie and Jake Epstein. The technological advancements observed during their May 2025 excursion were starkly evident, with a particular emphasis on the proliferation of robotic and drone-based systems.

Leslie noted the dramatic evolution in the sophistication of Ukrainian robotics and drone operations, remarking on the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. He observed that military units were capable of rapidly developing and field-testing new iterations of both ground, aerial, and sea drones within short timeframes, a capability that would have taken conventional armies months or even years to achieve during peacetime.

The utilization of these cutting-edge technologies directly supported the frontline soldiers by assuming roles previously reserved for human combatants in perilous situations. For instance, ground robots were deployed to retrieve wounded soldiers and swiftly transport them to safer locations for medical attention, effectively reducing the risk to human lives in hazardous conditions.

The journalists also highlighted the deployment of large-scale bomber drones as heavy-lift platforms, which were increasingly being utilized to provide crucial logistical support by delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, and water to the front lines. This strategic application of drone technology represented a significant shift in the war's dynamics, emphasizing the importance of sustaining combat operations beyond traditional military objectives.

Reflecting on the broader implications of these developments, Leslie identified the pervasive presence of drones as the primary factor preventing any significant territorial gains on either side for an extended period. The emphasis has shifted from conventional territorial conquests to targeted strikes aimed at disrupting the enemy's logistical infrastructure and energy supply chains, labeled as "deep strikes."

Another pressing question that emerged from their observations was the extent to which artificial intelligence would play a role in future engagements. While AI systems were already instrumental in target identification and drone navigation, with human operators maintaining control over the trigger, the question loomed large: when would AI systems be capable of autonomously carrying out the act of killing?

This advancement posed intriguing prospects and challenges for the future of warfare, marking a significant juncture in the evolution of military technology.