Ukraine is rapidly industrialising into new military assets to take on Putin, seeking to upscale production of drones and other more modern, asymmetrical forms of war over conventional ones like ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Russia remains reliant on its large-scale missile arsenals, including the recently used Oreshnik, which Moscow believes is away to overwhelm Kyiv. Here we explore the evolving military capabilities of Ukraine, particularly focusing on the potential of drones and AI in modern warfare, as opposed to traditional ballistic missiles. Ryan McBeth discusses the limitations and costs associated with ballistic missiles, while emphasising the advantages of drone technology. The dialogue then shifts to Russia’s missile strategy, including the implications of their withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the challenges they face in developing effective missile technology.