Merging State and Volunteer Efforts to Dominate the Skies with Drones
Yegor Sobolev, commander of the unmanned systems unit of the 12th Separate Special Purpose Center, has detailed how Ukrainian forces on the front lines are using domestically produced drones, supplied through both state channels and volunteer initiatives. Sobolev, a former member of parliament, volunteered for military service in the first days of the full-scale invasion, initially serving as a Territorial Defense fighter in the defense of Kyiv.
Sobolev described drone-on-drone aerial combat as a new and rapidly evolving form of warfare. He noted that troops often use drones not yet certified by the Ministry of Defense, complicating centralized procurement. 'Drones are being improved very quickly,' he emphasized. Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, has announced the creation of drone assault units with a new doctrine for unmanned systems. This shift highlights the critical role of unmanned technology in modern conflict, where agility often trumps traditional bureaucracy.
According to Sobolev, his unit receives drones from volunteers, including the 'Come Back Alive' foundation, as well as through purchases made by various communities. He also stated they receive government-supplied kamikaze drones for targeting enemy infantry and heavy bomber drones designed to destroy fortifications, artillery, and armored vehicles. 'Our unit performs various tasks with different types of drones,' he stressed.
Drone Supply and New Capabilities
Sobolev pointed out that in 2022, virtually all drones were purchased with volunteer funds, but now a significant portion are supplied through the Logistics Forces Command or the 'Army of Drones' program. He highlighted the importance of the decentralized procurement system initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Defense. This system allows units to directly order what they need through platforms like Brave1 and DOTChain Defense.
Thanks to these innovations, Ukrainian military units will receive unmanned aerial vehicles three times faster, significantly boosting combat mission effectiveness. Domestically produced Ukrainian drones offer advantages due to their superior tactical and technical characteristics, making them a vital asset in the contemporary battlefield.
The increased speed of drone delivery and their diverse applications underscore the adaptability of Ukrainian forces to the demands of modern warfare. The coordinated efforts of the state and volunteers in equipping the army with drones not only enhance combat effectiveness but also strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities against the persistent threat from the enemy. Such innovations could prove decisive in the ongoing struggle for the nation's independence and territorial integrity.