Kathrine Frich
The “Army of Drones Bonus” program transforms battlefield achievements into a point-based economy.
The “Army of Drones Bonus” program transforms battlefield achievements into a point-based economy.
Ukraine Turns Drone Warfare Into a Points-Based Game
In a bold new step towards modernising combat, Ukraine has launched a gamified system for drone warfare.
By awarding points for confirmed hits on Russian targets, the initiative brings video game mechanics into real-world conflict, and it’s already reshaping how war is fought on the front lines.
Combat Points: A New Currency of War
The “Army of Drones Bonus” program transforms battlefield achievements into a point-based economy.
Drone operators earn points by submitting video evidence of successful strikes.
Once verified, these points can be traded for upgraded drones and advanced gear, directly boosting their fighting power.
Hitting Targets, Earning Rewards
Each confirmed hit comes with a score: six points for disabling a soft target, 20 for damaging a tank, 40 for destroying one outright, and up to 50 for neutralising mobile missile systems.
The more precise and destructive the strike, the higher the reward, incentivising smart, efficient tactics.
Direct Procurement: Power to the Frontlines
Soon, drone units will be able to redeem their points through the Brave1 Market, Ukraine’s emerging defence-tech marketplace.
This removes red tape and command-level lobbying, enabling even smaller or lesser-known units to get access to top-tier hardware based solely on their performance.
“We Reward Effectiveness”
Ukrainian officials have made the goal clear: performance is the only metric that matters.
This system democratises battlefield logistics, allowing any unit, regardless of its reputation, to climb the ranks if it proves its worth in real combat scenarios.
Real-Time Feedback for Smarter Warfare
The initiative also generates valuable data. By tracking which drones are most effective in combat,
Ukraine can fine-tune procurement decisions, optimise spending, and secure reliable long-term partnerships with drone manufacturers.
A War Defined by Data and Drones
This point-based incentive model isn’t just a morale booster, it’s a strategic shift. In a war increasingly driven by AI and unmanned systems,
Ukraine is laying the groundwork for a faster, more agile, and data-informed approach to national defence.
Redefining Military Strategy in the Digital Age
With systems like Army of Drones Bonus, Ukraine is blurring the lines between tech startup culture and military tradition.
It’s a sign of how 21st-century warfare is evolving, less about hierarchy and more about decentralisation, innovation, and real-time adaptability.
Targeted Efficiency Over Media Hype
Unlike past conflicts where attention often flowed to high-profile units, Ukraine’s new model ensures even the most under-the-radar teams can thrive.
Success on the battlefield is no longer a function of visibility, but of verified impact.