In western Ukraine, military drone operators from across the country recently gathered to compete in the “Wild Drones” contest, highlighting the growing role of unmanned aerial vehicles in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The event took place near the spa town of Truskavets and brought together pilots from 19 of Ukraine’s top units, alongside manufacturers of frontline drone technology.

The competition tested the skills of Ukraine’s most adept drone operators as they maneuvered various models, including the P1-SUN interceptor drone, which demonstrated its capabilities by severing a tow line from another drone to release a drifting balloon. The event served as both a training opportunity and a showcase for the evolving drone technology used on the battlefield.

Participants controlled strike drones equipped with explosives, often from command centers positioned safely behind the frontline. Such drones have become a significant threat to Russian forces, with pilots employing video game-style consoles for remote operation. Organizers said the contest facilitated information sharing among units and provided direct feedback to manufacturers developing new systems.

“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,” sergeant major of the Black Raven drone battalion of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, who helped organize the event and spoke using his military call sign.

The competition is part of Ukraine’s broader push to “gamify” aspects of the war effort. Introduced last year, a points system awards units for confirmed drone kills, allowing them to redeem these points for equipment via online military marketplaces such as DOT-Chain and Brave1. Officials say this approach motivates soldiers by fostering healthy competition and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to the most effective operators.

Unlike Russia’s system, which offers cash bonuses for destroying equipment, Ukraine’s model also incentivizes targeting enemy personnel. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has set an ambitious goal of incapacitating or killing 50,000 Russian soldiers monthly, a figure Ukraine currently estimates around 35,000, though Moscow disputes these numbers.

Beyond the contest, the gathering provided a rare break for participants, some of whom have been deployed on the front for extended periods since Russia’s invasion began in 2022. The atmosphere was informal, with barbecues and social events, and several pilots attended with their families.

Drone manufacturers present collected direct feedback from the operators. “If we have one version of a drone today, in three months it could be a completely different drone,” explained “Dym,” commander of the approximately 400-strong Black Raven unit.

The operational range of Ukrainian drones continues to expand, stretching the “Kill Zone”—currently about nine miles on either side of the frontline—where personnel and vehicles can be quickly targeted. Some drones, such as the Vampire heavy bomber developed by Ukrainian defense firm Skyfall, are also deployed for logistical support, delivering food, water, and medical supplies inside contested areas, reducing risk to ground forces.

Skyfall, which says it has the capacity to produce over 10,000 drones daily, presented prizes to competition winners, including Vampire drones and accessory systems. A company representative, known by the call sign “Ares,” noted a growing demand for greater automation to enable fewer operators to manage more drones simultaneously, reflecting the increasing complexity and importance of unmanned systems in Ukraine’s defense efforts.