Ukrainian Drone Trainer Discusses Challenges and Innovations

MILAN — The Ukrainian drone training unit known as the “Typhoon” has been at the forefront of unmanned aerial systems since its establishment in 2024. Part of the Ukrainian National Guard, this special forces unit initially specialized in frontline first-person-view (FPV) operations, but has since expanded to encompass a broader range of drone technologies. The unit’s primary objectives include enhancing combat drone capabilities and providing rigorous training to operators.

In a recent video interview with Defense News, a member of the Typhoon unit, referred to as “Alex” for security reasons, discussed various challenges faced by the unit. One key issue is the shortage of skilled drone pilots. Alex highlighted that beyond the lack of pilots, there is a significant deficit in motivated individuals who possess the necessary technical knowledge. Training a pilot from scratch typically takes at least three months, particularly when the individual lacks experience with radios, engineering, or related fields.

“When we talk about FPVs, the pilot needs to have some engineering knowledge as well,” Alex explained. “If something goes wrong, you should be able to repair it; if the drone crashes, you need to figure out how to make it fly again.”

To mitigate the pilot shortage, the unit prioritizes quality over quantity. It focuses on providing operators with up-to-date knowledge and battlefield analyses. For instance, when new intelligence emerges regarding Russian electronic jamming systems, the team analyzes the data and shares actionable insights with their pilots. This information sharing enhances both pilot training and drone effectiveness.

Adapting to Electronic Warfare

The challenges posed by electronic warfare are substantial. Alex noted that the primary difficulty lies in obtaining real-time information from the battlefield while also anticipating future developments. “Many Russian systems can cover almost all frequency spectrums,” he stated. “We must remain vigilant, but we also know that these systems cannot operate continuously.”

The effectiveness of drone operations often hinges on the pilot’s skill. Alex described a scenario where a pilot might lose control of a drone shortly after takeoff. To address these issues, the unit meticulously reviews communication data, drone altitude, and flight paths to identify patterns that can inform future missions.

Alex also shared insights into the unit’s use of advanced technology to counteract jamming systems. Some FPVs are now equipped with multiple receivers and antennas in different polarizations. This redundancy allows drones to maintain control even when one frequency is compromised.

“This significantly increases the chances of maintaining a stable connection in heavy electronic warfare environments,” he explained.

Challenges and Innovations in Unmanned Technologies

The demand for high-quality unmanned technologies continues to grow. Alex pointed out that many operators rely on common spare parts, particularly for FPVs. He emphasized that having a variety of spare components is crucial for success. “If you have different video transmitters for various frequency ranges, you can quickly adapt to changing battlefield conditions,” he said.

Western-supplied drones have proven effective, particularly in the fixed-wing reconnaissance category. Alex highlighted the success of the German-made Vector drones and Polish-made FlyEye drones, noting their rapid feedback loops between operators and manufacturers. This direct communication facilitates quick modifications based on battlefield performance.

Conversely, some smaller drones, particularly FPVs, have not fared as well. Alex remarked on a European manufacturer of fixed-wing strike drones that had not tested its systems under conditions similar to those on the Ukrainian battlefield. “They said, ‘No, we haven’t even once,’” he recalled. “That raises concerns about how these systems will perform in real combat scenarios.”

Alex also noted that recent testing of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) highlighted significant challenges under realistic battlefield conditions. Developers faced stringent testing protocols, which required them to operate their robots without direct line of sight or stable communication. This rigorous approach underscored the need for systems designed to function optimally under severe informational constraints.

“Many systems perform well in controlled environments,” Alex stated, “but struggle when operators must rely solely on remote sensing.”

The evolving landscape of unmanned systems is also evident in the tactics employed by Russian forces. Alex observed that many fixed-wing reconnaissance drones are now capable of deploying FPVs over target areas, enhancing their operational range to between 30 and 50 kilometers. This tactic not only increases the effective range but also enhances connectivity, allowing for better target engagement.

As the conflict continues, the focus on improving drone technologies remains paramount. The Typhoon unit is dedicated to enhancing its operational efficacy through innovative training and adaptive strategies, ensuring that its pilots are well-equipped to face the challenges of modern warfare.