The (0) proliferation of affordable unmanned systems has turned drone warfare into a dominant element of modern battles. In Ukraine, both sides now launch thousands of low-cost drones monthly, while Ukrainian innovations in interceptor technology are attracting international interest amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.Recent conflicts have shown how inexpensive one-way drones can create (1) ……………………. challenges for defenders, who often rely on costly missiles to neutralise threats worth only a fraction of the price. This extreme (2) ……………………. in expenditure is pushing militaries worldwide to prioritise mass production of attritable systems.Operators controlling armed drones from distant bases face a unique form of (3) ……………………. isolation. Despite being physically protected, many suffer from (4) ……………………. trauma after observing strike outcomes in graphic detail via live feeds.The (5) ……………………. availability of drone parts and open-source software has enabled rapid adoption by various actors. This uncontrolled (6) ……………………. has heightened fears of (7) ……………………. strikes that endanger civilians in urban areas.In response, Ukraine is sharing its battle-tested expertise in countering Shahed-type drones with partners facing similar threats. Experts stress that stronger (8) ……………………. frameworks are essential to prevent the technology from becoming even more (9) ……………………. and destabilising.Without urgent investment in electronic jamming, autonomous interceptors, and international agreements, drone swarms could make future engagements far more (10) ……………………. and lethal.
(0) PROLIFERATE
(1) SIGNIFY
(2) DISPARITY
(3) PSYCHOLOGY
(4) EMOTION
(5) WIDE
(6) EXPAND
(7) DISCRIMINATE
(8) REGULATE
(9) DESTABILISE
(10) PREDICT
Answers (for self-checking or teacher use only — not shown with the gaps):
- significant
- disparity
- psychological
- emotional
- widespread
- expansion
- indiscriminate (negative prefix “in-“)
- regulatory
- destabilising
- unpredictable