Drone games put Ukraine's best military pilots to the test

In the skies over western Ukraine, a specialized P1-SUN interceptor drone executed a precise maneuver, diving towards its target as dozens of soldiers watched. A cheer erupted as the drone successfully cut a tow line from another drone and a balloon, marking a successful demonstration.

This "Wild Drones" competition brought together Ukraine's most skilled military drone pilots, not for combat against Russia, but to compete against each other for bragging rights and advanced hardware for their units. The event, held in fields near the spa town of Truskavets, gathered pilots from 19 of Ukraine's top units and drone manufacturers.

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This is an opportunity for them to communicate with each other a little, to learn something or share something with someone, and to see from manufacturers what new products are available.

Drone technology has become a transformative element of the war in Ukraine. Young soldiers, often using video game consoles to operate strike drones equipped with explosives from behind front lines, are a significant threat to enemy soldiers. Ukraine, which did not heavily invest in drone technology before Russia's 2022 invasion, is now considered a leader in drone warfare.

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It's a bit like choosing a car. They all do different things.

"This is an opportunity for them to communicate with each other a little, to learn something or share something with someone, and to see from manufacturers what new products are available," said "Grey," the sergeant major of the Black Raven drone battalion, an organizer of the event. The competition also highlights Ukraine's "gamification" of the war, including a points system for drone kills that can be used to purchase equipment, motivating soldiers and ensuring efficient resource allocation.

Officials noted that the system helps motivate soldiers through competition and ensures resources are allocated efficiently to the best pilots. The event, founded two years ago, provided a respite from the front lines for some participants, fostering a relaxed atmosphere with a barbecue and networking party. Many officers indicated their units regularly contact drone manufacturers to request improvements, a process described as "constant, ongoing."

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It's a constant, ongoing process.