Air Defense in the Drone Age: Lessons from Ukraine

​At a time when drone warfare is redefining the nature of aerial threats, the Snake Island Institute (SII) presents “Air Defense in the Drone Age: Lessons from Ukraine,” a focused discussion grounded in Ukraine’s unmatched, real-time experience defending its skies.

​Ukraine has become a global reference point for countering mass drone attacks, particularly the widespread use of Iranian-designed Shahed loitering munitions. Facing daily waves of these systems both on the frontline and against civilian targets, Ukrainian forces have developed highly adaptive, cost-effective, and layered air defense responses that combine traditional systems with innovative tactics, electronic warfare, and decentralized coordination.

​This panel event will feature a distinguished delegation of Ukrainian military air defense specialists, bringing firsthand operational knowledge from the front lines. Their perspectives will provide rare, practical insight into how modern air defense is evolving under constant pressure, and what lessons can be applied globally.

​Join to learn directly from Ukrainian experts at the forefront of drone-era warfare. Register now to secure your place.

​Registration is subject to approval. 

​Agenda

​4 PM – Arrival and registration

​4:30 PM – Opening remarks

​4:45 PM – Presentation of key findings from SII’s Holding Back the Sky report

​5:00 PM – Panel discussion and Q&A

​6:00 PM – Reception

​About Snake Island Institute

​SII is an independent Ukrainian defense analytics and innovation center advancing long-term security cooperation between Ukraine and its western allies.

​SII brings together active-duty Ukrainian service members, defense technologists, analysts, and international partners to translate operational lessons from the war into practical insights for governments, industry, and allied defense institutions.