In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European nations are investing heavily in low-cost weaponry, particularly drones, to enhance their military capabilities and ensure defense sovereignty. The European Union has pledged €800 billion for defense over the next four years, reflecting a shift away from reliance on US defense manufacturers. Startups such as Skycutter in the UK are at the forefront of this movement, designing and producing drones and other military technologies to meet urgent demands. The changing landscape of warfare, characterized by the use of cheap, autonomous drones, has prompted militaries to rethink their strategies and procurement processes. As Gen Sir Roly Walker, the UK’s chief of the general staff, outlined, the focus is shifting towards a mix of 20% survivable, 40% attritable, and 40% consumable military equipment. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement poses challenges for traditional military procurement systems, which are often slow to adapt. This has raised concerns among defense executives about whether European militaries can keep pace with the evolving demands of modern warfare.