How the defence industry is developing ‘£100 solutions for £100m threats’

Drones that have caused Ukraine greater economic damage of late are drones that cost as little as $10,000 .

Unlike Russia ’s rapid-fire missiles, the drones can shut down Kyiv for hours because their piston-driven engines take so long to make an impact.

The significant toll of this cheap military kit on Ukraine is something that has caught the eye of Britain 's defence industry.

The firm has already signed a deal with Babcock France with a view to renting them out to air forces for flexible training of fighter pilots.

As well as often being the smarter choice, cheaper equipment is also growing in demand due to inflation.

Defence spending around the world grew 6.5pc last year but inflation meant that in real terms the growth was only 3.7pc .