Ukraines drone manufacturing has increased as the front line needs upgrades the government has eased import restrictions and eliminated taxes on drone components and supplies. With the help of famous supporters such as Mark Hamill, Ukraines Army of Drones fundraising drive has gathered more than $108 million (£87 million) to fund the development and production of drones and also the training of new front-line drone operators. Training for drone pilotsIn a recent report from Ukraine, a dozen groups of pilot pairs were seen flying miniature drones in a remote field. They aimed to find marks that looked like military targets while improving their tactics to enhance camouflage skills in makeshift hideouts in the woods. Slava, their trainer, kept a careful eye on their progress and offered suggestions on how to improve their stealth methods to avoid discovery by the enemy.Why dronesDrones have become increasingly crucial to soldiers on both sides of the battle, who recognise their strategic value. Smaller, lower-cost drones formerly employed for filmmaking have found a new role on the battlefield. These drones have numerous benefits, including real-time intelligence gathering, target acquisition, and monitoring. As a result, its use in modern combat has become a crucial component, allowing forces to execute more precise and successful operations.The most often utilised drone on the front lines is the DJI Mavic, which costs less than $2,000 (£1,615). However, DJI, a Chinese brand, restricted the shipment of its products to Ukraine and Russia last year, citing the equipment is for “civilian use only.” This ban has made it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to obtain drones, but the government has been able to import thousands despite the limitations.According to Slava, the ban has forced the production of new types of drones because existing models are regularly shot down or disabled by electronic weapons. The Army of Drones campaign organisers have reported that an extra 3,300 drones have been purchased or built. Around 400 people even sent in their hobby drones to help the cause in an incredible demonstration of patriotism.The Army of Drones campaignThe Army of Drones campaign began in July last year and has been critical in building the countrys drone fleet and preparing pilots for the front lines. The campaign has received much attention on social media, with prominent actor Mark Hamill posting promotional videos and comments with his fans.The Ukrainian government is actively encouraging the use of drones in combat, with numerous nationwide drone projects marketed in various businesses and service stations. The administration is persuaded that drones provide the military a competitive advantage on the battlefield.To strengthen this view, last months Army of Drones campaign purchased ten RQ-35 Heidrun reconnaissance drones for $16,000 (£13,000) each, immediately despatched to the front lines. A hundred Ukrainian-made kamikaze drones were sent to Bakhmut in the most recent shipment.In March, the Ukrainian Ministry for Digital Transformation announced a significant development in the countrys UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) market. The ministry relaxed and simplified the procedure for importing drone components into the country, citing it as a crucial step towards the growth and expansion of the drone market in Ukraine. Before this, the regulatory process for receiving essential parts such as GPS modules or thermal cameras could take up to 15 days.Russia responds with its own drone fleetRussia has reportedly used hundreds of drones against Ukraine, focusing on using large Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones. While Ukraine has never admitted to conducting offensive operations within Russian territory, the countrys Deputy Minister of Defence, Fedorov, has expressed his support for any measures that would lead to victory and stop Russia. He has also highlighted the capabilities of a Ukrainian drone called the R18, which he claims can fly from Kyiv to Moscow and back.However, Fedorov denied calling for drone strikes on Moscow, stating that the countrys defence forces plan operations. They focus on ensuring that Ukraine has enough UAVs available for military purposes. When asked about the possibility of drone strikes on Russian soil, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment.
