How Ukrainian civilians are building their own drones to fight Russia

The war between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new phase, as Kyiv launches a counter-offensive to reclaim its occupied territories. But Ukraine faces a serious challenge: a shortage of drones that can provide vital intelligence and strike capabilities against the Russian forces.

Drones have become a key weapon in modern warfare, especially in asymmetric conflicts where one side has a clear advantage in conventional arms. Drones can help level the playing field by providing real-time information, disrupting enemy communications, and delivering precision strikes on high-value targets.

Ukraine knows this well, as it has been on the receiving end of Russian drone attacks for months. Russia has used drones to target Ukrainian military bases, infrastructure, and civilians, as well as to support its ground troops and artillery. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia has deployed more than 2,000 drones in the war zone, some of them armed with bombs and missiles.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has a limited number of drones, most of them donated by foreign allies or purchased from private companies. Ukraine’s defense budget is stretched thin, and it cannot afford to buy enough drones to match Russia’s capabilities. Moreover, Ukraine faces a technological gap, as Russia has access to more advanced and sophisticated drones, some of them developed by China and Iran.

But Ukraine is not giving up. Instead, it is turning to its own people for help. A grassroots movement of civilian volunteers, hobbyists, and engineers has emerged, dedicated to building and supplying drones to the Ukrainian army. These drone makers use off-the-shelf components, open-source software, and 3D printing to create low-cost but effective drones that can perform various tasks, such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and even combat.

One of these groups is called DroneUA, a non-governmental organization that was founded in 2014, shortly after the start of the war. DroneUA has built and donated more than 500 drones to the Ukrainian army, ranging from small quadcopters to large fixed-wing aircraft. DroneUA’s drones are equipped with cameras, sensors, and transmitters, and can fly up to 150 kilometers and stay in the air for up to six hours. Some of them can also carry explosives or grenades, turning them into kamikaze drones that can strike enemy positions.

DroneUA’s founder and CEO, Valeriy Korol, says that his group’s mission is to provide the Ukrainian army with the best possible tools to defend the country. He says that drones are a game-changer in the war, as they can help save lives, reduce casualties, and increase the chances of victory. He also says that drones are a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience, creativity, and patriotism, as they show that the people are willing to contribute to the war effort in any way they can.

Another group that is making a difference is called Aerorozvidka, which means “air reconnaissance” in Ukrainian. Aerorozvidka is a volunteer unit that operates under the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, and consists of former soldiers, engineers, and drone enthusiasts. Aerorozvidka’s drones are similar to DroneUA’s, but they are more focused on combat missions, such as targeting enemy artillery, tanks, and vehicles. Aerorozvidka’s drones have been involved in some of the most intense battles of the war, such as the siege of Debaltseve in 2015, and the fighting around Mariupol.

Aerorozvidka’s commander, Serhiy Halushko, says that his unit’s drones have proven to be very effective and reliable, despite their low cost and simple design. He says that his drones have destroyed dozens of enemy targets, and have helped the Ukrainian army gain an edge over the Russian forces. He also says that his drones have a psychological impact on the enemy, as they create fear and confusion among the Russian soldiers, who never know when and where a drone will strike.

Both DroneUA and Aerorozvidka rely on donations and crowdfunding to fund their operations, as they receive little or no support from the Ukrainian government. They also face many challenges and risks, such as jamming, hacking, and shooting down by the enemy, as well as legal and regulatory hurdles. But they are determined to continue their work, as they believe that drones are essential for Ukraine’s survival and sovereignty.

The war between Ukraine and Russia is far from over, and the outcome is uncertain. But one thing is clear: Ukraine’s civilian drone makers are playing a crucial role in the conflict, and are showing the world that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against Russian aggression.