Factory to front lines: A Western spy drone’s journey to war in Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers prepare a Western surveillance drone for launch in southeastern Ukraine. Jake Epstein/Business Insider SOUTHEASTERN UKRAINE — Two soldiers emerged from the tree line carrying the drone, trying to avoid scraping its wings against the branches. They placed it on the launch rail, angled toward the open sky above a field of budding sunflowers. The drone sprang to life, its small, rear-facing propeller roaring like a lawnmower. Sporadic raindrops pitter-pattered on the aircraft…