A new deal to train Ukrainian drone operators will enhance the country’s capability to conduct long-range, jam-resistant strikes. The announcement was made by Brandon Tseng, president of Shield AI, in an interview with Defense One on October 18, 2023. Tseng highlighted that Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces are “the premier [tactical] drone-operating military in the entire world” and will improve their use of V-BAT strategic-level drones capable of navigating GPS interference and sophisticated electronic warfare.
The details of the training effort remain undisclosed, including the number of operators involved in the program. However, Tseng indicated that Ukraine seeks to bolster its drone operations ahead of the return of the fighting season later this year. He noted that the Ukrainian military has repositioned some of its best drone operators from the front lines specifically for this initiative. According to Tseng, there is a current demand for over 120 V-BAT units in the region, and Ukraine aims to acquire them as quickly as possible.
Following an August operation where Ukrainian operators utilized V-BATs to target long-range threats such as SA-11 Buk missiles and heavily defended Russian assets, the need for enhanced drone capabilities was evident. This operation was executed by a small, volunteer group. Additionally, Shield AI plans to provide Ukraine with software and technology to help one-way attack drones withstand Russian electromagnetic warfare. The company also aims to assist Ukraine in increasing its domestic drone production capabilities.
U.S. support for Ukraine’s drones has been in place since the fall of 2022 when National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan convened a meeting with leading U.S. defense-tech firms to discuss supplying drones to Ukraine and developing its own drone industry. Sullivan, addressing the press, emphasized the vital role UAVs play in the conflict in Ukraine and future military engagements.
In light of ongoing developments, Tseng expressed that the Pentagon could improve the accuracy of its long-range fires with drones like the V-BAT, which have been validated in the Ukraine conflict. He urged the incoming Trump administration to heed the requests of Ukrainian generals regarding technological needs that allow drones to operate effectively despite Russian electronic warfare.
