Silicon Valley-based Skydio has sent hundreds of its best drones to Ukraine to help fight the Russians, but the technology has fared poorly.
Skydio drones were getting lost due to Russian electronic warfare. The company returned to the development and construction of a new fleet.
According to the article, most of the small drones from American startups have failed to prove themselves in combat, dashing the companies' hopes that the battle-tested badge would bring sales and attention.
The WSJ noted that in the first war, where small drones played an important role, American companies still do not have a significant presence. American drones tend to be expensive, faulty and difficult to repair.
Lacking solutions in the West, Ukraine turned to cheaper Chinese products to replenish its arsenal of drones.
