The article discusses the training of Ukrainian soldiers to fly drones with bombs attached, specifically highlighting a special school in Lviv Oblast where students learn to operate these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The article mentions that Ukraine has sold over 500 Lelekas drones, which have been used for surveillance and combat purposes. The cost of these drones is around Hr 10 million, or roughly $240,000.
The school’s curriculum includes training on the Ukrainian air codex and aviation regulations, as well as the classification of flights by altitude. Students spend weeks on simulators that replicate the standard set-up of an ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) system, which is used for military operations.
The article also touches on the post-war prospects for Ukraine’s drone business, with Holovko, a key figure in the industry, expressing concerns that European countries may prefer more expensive and less effective ISRs from other manufacturers. He fears that this could harm Ukrainian makers’ chances of being selected for future purchases.
The article concludes by highlighting the resilience and inventiveness of Ukrainian society in response to Russia‘s invasion, despite pullbacks in aid. It encourages readers to consider becoming members of the Kyiv Independent to support their reporting on stories from the ground.