An analysis on the role of UAVs in the Russia-Ukraine war has appeared in the media. Highlighting the significant potential of Ukrainian drones and their successful deployment by Ukrainians, Russian sources noted that this success was made possible thanks to a strong network of training centers preparing defense forces.
Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, 10 new training centers have been established in Ukraine. According to Russian analysts, the most prominent and effective of these are Dronarium (Ruslan Belyaev), "Kruk" (Victor Taran), and Borivyter (Ihor Fedirko).
The reports emphasize that these training centers are supported not only by the state within the framework of the Army of Drones project but also by private initiatives. For instance, the "Kruk" center receives support from the International Renaissance Foundation, the MHP agricultural holding, Sergiy Berezenko’s Charitable Foundation, Serhiy Pashynskyi’s Myr Corporation, Ukrposhta (Ihor Smelyanskyi), and the Ukiez group (Bohdan Butkevych).
In total, these training centers have prepared 7,000 military UAV operators.
Amid this progress, troubling news emerged that the Army of Drones project has ceased funding the training centers. The lack of funding has prevented these centers from continuing to provide free training for military personnel, just as significant operations are expected in the coming months. Without financial support, existing training centers urgently need backing from private initiatives and responsible businesses to avoid closure.
Ukraine has the potential to produce tens of thousands of new drones, but without trained instructors, this technology cannot be effectively deployed on the frontline. It is hoped that the situation will improve and the Army of Drones project will find the resources to resume funding for training centers.
