A drone that depends on an external control link can be disrupted differently from one carrying enough autonomy to continue after communications are lost. Electronic warfare, hard-kill interceptors, and directed-energy weapons therefore address different parts of the threat. The apparent cost imbalance also changes when the interceptor is protecting a warship, port, or other asset worth far more than the attacking drone. Both attackers and defenders will adapt, so useful analysis has to compare complete systems and operational effects rather than individual unit prices.
Notable Point · 33:18-36:06
Counter-drone defense is a systems and cost problem
Defeating drones requires layered attention to communications, autonomy, electronic attack, lasers, and the value of the target being protected rather than a simple missile-to-drone price comparison.