The article reflects on the fundamental changes in modern warfare brought on by the use of drones, as highlighted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. It emphasizes Estonia's lack of preparedness in this area, especially in the context of the recent Siil military exercise, which faced challenges with drone operations despite media reports that exaggerated losses. The aim of the exercise was to evaluate command chains and soldiers' reaction times, but the results pointed to the urgent need for Estonia to enhance its drone capabilities.

Moreover, the article recounts experiences shared by Ukrainian drone operators, who managed to inflict significant damage during their operations, leading to discussions about the lessons Estonia can learn from Ukraine's experiences. While acknowledging the challenges faced, including the controlled environment of the military exercise and the exaggeration of losses, the article stresses that the core message remains valid: Estonia must adopt lessons from Ukraine swiftly and with determination to adapt its military strategies and enhance its drone production and operator training.

In conclusion, the necessity for Estonia to cultivate a robust and skilled drone operator base, alongside developing its indigenous drone manufacturing capabilities, is paramount. As warfare continues to evolve, particularly with the evident effectiveness of drones in conflict zones like Ukraine, Estonia must act decisively to ensure that it is not left vulnerable or unprepared for future military engagements.