Ukraine Holds Drone Pilot Competition in Western Region
Pilots from 19 Ukrainian military units competed in the Wild Drones event near Truskavets. The annual contest awards equipment based on performance in simulated drone operations.
etftrends.comPilots from 19 Ukrainian military units and drone manufacturers gathered outside the western Ukrainian town of Truskavets for the Wild Drones competition this week. A P1-SUN interceptor drone cut a tow line attached to a balloon during one demonstration, drawing cheers from soldiers watching the event.
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The contest awards state-of-the-art hardware to winning units rather than direct combat against Russian forces.
Ukraine has expanded drone operations since Russia's 2022 invasion. Operators use video game-style controllers to fly explosive-carrying drones, sometimes from locations distant from the front line. The country had limited drone capabilities before 2022 and now maintains regular contact between frontline units and manufacturers to request design changes.
Ukraine operates a points system that awards verified drone strikes. Units exchange accumulated points for equipment through the DOT-Chain and Brave1 Market platforms. Winners in each category at the Truskavets event received three Vampire heavy bomber drones along with batteries and control systems.
Skyfall, the manufacturer of the Vampire, stated it can produce more than 10,000 drones per day. A Skyfall representative identified by the call sign Ares said the primary request from units is greater automation to allow fewer operators to control more aircraft.
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