A swarm of hundreds of drones controlled by a single operator by 2026 — MP Kostenko

In Ukraine, swarms of drones may appear as early as 2026, controlled by one operator. This was stated by Romain Kostenko, secretary of the parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence during the Kyiv Security Forum for Youth.

According to the MP, such a system will allow for the automation of monitoring so-called 'gray zones' between the positions of the parties. It is in these areas that infantry presence is associated with increased risks, and constant reconnaissance requires significant human resources.

A swarm of drones as a tool for monitoring gray zones

In the proposed model, automation will play a key role. One operator will be responsible for the overall system, while hundreds of drones will operate autonomously within set algorithms. Drones will be able to patrol areas, record movements, identify potential targets, and transmit data in real-time.

A continuous cycle of work is anticipated: part of the drones will be in the air, while others will return to base stations for recharging and maintenance.

Automation without complete system autonomy

Roman Kostenko emphasized that this is not about complete autonomy without human involvement. The decision to use force will remain with the operator, while automated systems will perform routine and the most dangerous tasks.

This approach, he said, aims to reduce military losses and increase the efficiency of controlling the space between combat formations. The concept also envisages mass use of cheaper and simpler drones instead of single, complex platforms. Such solutions are currently being actively studied by the armies of the USA, China, and NATO countries amid a shortage of manpower and the increasing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

Earlier, we reported that in Ukraine hundreds of drone manufacturers have been created.