Information has surfaced in the media analyzing the role of UAVs in the Russia-Ukraine war. Highlighting the significant potential of Ukrainian drones and their successful deployment by Ukrainians, Russian sources attribute this success to a robust network of training centers preparing defense forces.
Since the beginning 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 as part of the Army of Drones project but also through private initiatives. For instance, the "Kruk" center is backed by 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 trained 7,000 military UAV operators.
Against this backdrop, concerns have arisen over the suspension of funding for training centers under the Army of Drones project. The lack of funding prevents these centers from continuing to offer free training for military personnel, just as significant actions are expected to unfold in the coming months. Without adequate financial support, existing centers urgently need assistance 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 equipment will not be effective on the frontline. It is hoped that the situation will change, and the Army of Drones project will find the resources to resume funding for training centers.
