In a covert location within Ukraine, military drone instructor known as “DC” is leading a new generation of drone pilots at a training facility. Students at the Killhouse Academy are learning to operate First-Person-View (FPV) drones, which have become crucial in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression following the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.
The academy offers both civilians and military personnel the opportunity to master the operation of these small but powerful drones. Trainees engage in both computer simulations and real-world flight exercises to prepare for the battlefield. “In the battlefield, all you have to do is travel the biggest distance possible and fly, with such bad signal that your eyes will bleed,” DC explained while demonstrating drone maneuvers.
DC emphasizes the importance of calmness and strategic thinking in drone operations. “You have to be able to be thinking and watching and detecting your target,” he noted. He identifies this mental focus as one of the most challenging aspects of piloting in conflict zones. Once equipped with explosives, these drones can be rapidly deployed to strike distant targets, highlighting their role in modern warfare.
The increasing reliance on FPV drones has transformed combat dynamics in Ukraine. These devices have been instrumental in reducing reliance on ground troops, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources. “To save lives, to save money and time, you have to become unmanned,” DC stated. This sentiment reflects a broader trend observed by military analysts, particularly by the United States, which has been monitoring drone usage in Ukraine closely.
On June 6, 2023, former President Donald Trump signed the “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” executive order, aimed at boosting domestic production of cost-effective, lethal drones. The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to acquire 200,000 drones equipped with lethal capabilities by 2027, as part of its Drone Dominance Program. This move underscores the growing significance of drone technology in contemporary military strategy.
For both Ukrainian and Russian forces, drones now account for approximately 80% of military casualties in the ongoing conflict, according to various estimates. This shift has created an arms race where adaptability is paramount. “If you want to survive, you will find the best solution,” DC remarked. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the number of Russian soldiers he has engaged but expressed a commitment to training others to effectively counter Russian drone operators.
DC likened the current situation to an arms race, where only those who can adapt will prevail. “It’s a constant race for us and for them, to find an upper hand over the enemy,” he concluded. As drone warfare continues to evolve, the training at facilities like the Killhouse Academy is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of military operations in Ukraine and beyond.
