Camilla Jessen
A revised points-based reward system now incentivizes Ukrainian drone operators to target Russian soldiers, particularly drone operators, over armored vehicles.
Ukraine has updated its battlefield reward system for drone operators, shifting the focus from destroying equipment to targeting Russian personnel—especially drone crews.
The change was announced by Major Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, in a video speech on June 12, Business Insider reports.
New Priorities: Target the Operators
Under the revised point system, Ukrainian units now earn 25 points for eliminating a Russian drone pilot and 15 for wounding one.
In contrast, destroying a Russian tank—once worth 40 points—now earns 8 points. Multiple rocket launchers, previously valued at up to 50 points, now bring in only 10 points.
“We need to incentivize pilots to focus on destroying personnel,” Brovdi explained. The concern, he said, is that Ukrainian units have not been neutralizing Russian infantry fast enough, allowing Russia to maintain large troop numbers on the front lines.
To further encourage focus on individual soldiers, the value of killing one has doubled from 6 points to 12.
Brovdi stressed that targeting Russian hardware remains important. “I don’t know any pilot who, after detecting an enemy mechanized armored column, wouldn’t hit them just because he doesn’t get a bonus. It’s absurd,” he said.
Russian Bloggers Take Notice
The change in Ukraine’s drone strategy has not gone unnoticed in Russia.
On June 15, Russian war journalist Alexander Kharcenko, who runs the Telegram channel Witnesses Bayraktar, warned that Ukrainian forces are now “hunting our drone operators.”
He advised increased camouflage and more frequent changes in position.
Another blogger, writing under the name Laboratory of the SVO, urged Russian drone teams to disperse and move less.
“The less you move, the longer you’ll live,” he wrote.
How the Point System Works
Ukraine’s reward system is designed to help drone units acquire new equipment.
Points earned for confirmed hits can be used to order gear from a special government-run website launched in April.
The platform offers more than 1,000 items, including batteries, weapons, and satellite communications devices.
To earn points, units must film and verify their kills.
Brovdi said that eliminating a typical team of three Russian drone pilots can now provide enough points to buy 57 new drones. A single FPV drone typically costs around $500.
Currently, 507 Ukrainian units report their points each month. Brovdi also said he plans to meet regularly with commanders of the top 12 scoring units and randomly selected others to discuss possible changes to the reward system.
“This way, we will model any situation and optimize the bonus model,” he said.
