Asger Risom
A new point-based reward system lets Ukrainian drone units trade verified combat hits for upgraded weapons. The aim? Boost frontline efficiency — and redefine how war is fought.
Ukraine has launched a digital combat incentive program that rewards drone operators for eliminating Russian targets — and pays them in hardware. The initiative, called Army of Drones Bonus, gamifies frontline warfare in a bid to decentralize decision-making and boost operational effectiveness.
A War Effort Measured in Points
The program, created by Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, awards drone units based on confirmed kills.
To earn points, operators must submit verified video footage of strikes. Once verified, points can be redeemed for advanced drones and other battlefield gear — directly upgrading the firepower of the most successful teams.
According to Tech.wp, units receive 6 points for disabling a soft target, 20 for damaging a tank, 40 for destroying one, and up to 50 for eliminating mobile missile systems. The new incentive model not only encourages tactical precision, it creates data to optimize equipment orders and battlefield logistics.
From Scoring Hits to Shopping Gear
The system will soon integrate with Brave1 Market, Ukraine’s defense-tech marketplace. This will allow units to directly purchase combat equipment using their accumulated digital points. Crucially, this decentralizes procurement, putting more power in the hands of the teams doing the fighting.
The army notes that high-performing, lesser-known units can now secure cutting-edge gear without needing media spotlight or command-level lobbying.
“We reward effectiveness,” officials say.
A Strategic Shift in Modern Warfare
Beyond rewards, the program also provides key insights: identifying which drones perform best in real combat. This feedback loop helps Ukraine streamline defense spending and secure long-term contracts with reliable manufacturers.
As Ukraine adapts to a war increasingly shaped by AI and unmanned systems, initiatives like Army of Drones Bonus mark a shift in how modern conflicts are managed — faster, data-driven, and operator-empowered.