The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: Does the U.S. Have a Drone Defense Problem?
Mar 11, 2026
Pavlo Litovkin, a senior Ukrainian drone instructor who builds and trains mobile interceptor teams. Fabian Hoffman, a missile analyst and author focused on Shahed drones and air-defense tradeoffs. They discuss Shahed drone characteristics and radar visibility. They compare area versus point defense, interceptor-drone innovation and costs. They outline detection networks and lessons from Ukraine for allies.
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Hunt Launchers To Reduce Drone Availability
- Attackers also present the counter to defense: hunting launch trucks and production sites reduces enemy sortie rates.
- The U.S. and Israel have struck Shahed launch trucks and underground production facilities using long-range bombers.
Military Success Does Not Ensure Political Victory
- Military operations have been effective degrading Iranian launcher capability, but kinetic success doesn't guarantee political success.
- Striking targets achieves operational aims but must serve a broader political objective to matter long term.
Interceptor Drones Evolved From FPV Attack Platforms
- Interceptor drones evolved from FPV attack drones to autonomous interceptors with onboard seekers.
- Ukraine intercepts many long-range drones daily with low-cost interceptors that can cost $1k–$5k per shot.