Ukraine's 'drone games' gives military pilots chance to test their skills

Ukraine's most skilled military drone pilots squared off this week not against Russia, but against each other in a competition to win state-of-the-art hardware and bragging rights.

Drone technology has transformed the war in Ukraine. Young men using video game consoles to operate strike drones packed with explosives - sometimes from command centres far behind the front line - are deeply feared by enemy soldiers.

This week's "Wild Drones" competition - held in fields outside the spa town of Truskavets - gathered pilots from 19 of Ukraine's best units and manufacturers of drones used on the front line.

"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 of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, an organizer of the event. He asked to be identified by his military call sign.

The event, founded two years ago, offered a break from the front line, where some participants have been deployed since Russia's invasion in 2022. There was a relaxed atmosphere, with a barbecue and networking party; some participants brought their wives and families.

Several officers said their units were in regular contact with drone manufacturers to request improvements.

"It's a constant, ongoing process," said "Dym", the call sign of the commander of the about 400-strong Black Raven unit. "If we have one version of a drone today, in three months it could be a completely different drone."

The growing flight range of drones is constantly expanding the "Kill Zone" - currently around 15 km (nine miles) either side of the front line - where soldiers and vehicles can quickly be attacked by drones.

Winners in each category at the event received three Vampire drones, plus batteries and systems.

-Production: Andrii Perun, Andrii Pryimachenko/Reuters