Ukraine's computer game-style drone attack system has gone 'viral' among military units, with 400 drone teams now competing for points that can be exchanged for weapons in an online store. First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told the Guardian that the system, launched over a year ago, has become a self-reinforcing cycle: the more infantry killed, the more drones are earned to kill more infantry.
In September, drone teams killed or wounded 18,000 Russian soldiers, double the number from October last year, after Kyiv doubled the rewards for killing Russian infantry from six to 12 points. The 'Army of Drones Bonus System' features a leaderboard topped by teams like Achilles and Phoenix, and an 'Amazon-for-war' store called Brave1 with over 100 drones and autonomous vehicles.
Ukraine is extending the points-for-kills approach to artillery, reconnaissance, and logistics units. Reconnaissance units earn points for 'Uber targeting'—dropping a pin on a map for a drone from another unit to strike. Logistics teams get points for using autonomous vehicles instead of humans to resupply frontlines. Fedorov also revealed that drones partly controlled by artificial intelligence are being incentivised to improve strike precision.
However, experts at the Royal United Services Institute have warned Nato against relying too heavily on drone warfare, as Russian defences against such attacks have become formidable. They urge a renewed focus on conventional artillery and aircraft.
Killing an enemy drone operator now earns 25 points, while capturing a Russian soldier with a drone earns 120 points, reflecting Ukraine's need for prisoners of war. Fedorov said the cabinet sets the points 'pretty much emotionlessly,' viewing it as technical work. 'If you don't stop the enemy, he will kill your servicemen and civilians,' he added.
Ukrainian drone operators work as close as 250 metres from the frontline, using video game controllers to direct strikes. Commander Yuriy Fedorenko of the Achilles regiment said disciplined people, not necessarily video game experts, make the best pilots.
