August M
As drone warfare intensifies on the front lines, Ukraine is shifting its strategy to directly target those operating unmanned systems. Officials say the move reflects the growing role of drones in shaping the battlefield and the need to counter them more aggressively.
Ukraine is forming specialised military units tasked specifically with locating and eliminating Russian drone operators, according to Ukrainska Pravda, citing a statement from Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
The initiative focuses on disrupting Russia’s drone capabilities by targeting personnel responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrainian forces have identified Russian UAV pilots as high-priority targets.
New combat focus
“For this purpose, Ukraine has already started creating separate units that hunt Russian pilots.”
Fedorov said the objective is to shorten what he described as the “life cycle” of enemy drone operators on the battlefield, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
The strategy marks a shift toward targeting not only equipment but also the individuals controlling it.
Officials say this approach is intended to weaken Russia’s expanding use of drones in combat operations.
Incentives system
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine has also adjusted its Army of Drones Bonus system to encourage such strikes.
Units are now awarded double electronic points, or e-Points, for killing Russian drone operators, placing them on par with infantry targets.
Fedorov also shared footage of an operation by the Alpha Special Operations Centre, where Ukrainian forces reportedly identified and struck a Russian Molniya drone crew.
The operation resulted in one operator being killed and the drone destroyed before it could be launched, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Expanding drone war
The move comes as Ukraine anticipates a further expansion of Russian drone forces.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has said Russia planned to increase its unmanned systems personnel to 101,000 by April 1.
Fedorov has also proposed extending the e-Points system further, including awarding points to units operating in areas where Russian troops die by suicide, the outlet reported.
The developments highlight how drone warfare is becoming an increasingly central element of the conflict.
Sources: Ukrainska Pravda
