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Drones battling drones, fibre-optic warfare, and an AI-driven battlefield – Ukraine’s digital war strategy is evolving fast. Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spoke to Euronews on how technology is shaping Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
Innovation and adaptability on the battlefield are crucial for Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion started over three years ago, both sides have been engaged in a constant cat-and-mouse game of rapidly advancing drone technology. According to Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, about 95% of the drones used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces are domestically produced. However, some key components still come from China, Europe, or the US. “Even though we achieved significant results last year and earlier this year, we recognise that there are still new technological stages we need to reach,” Fedorov, who also serves as the country’s deputy prime minister, told Euronews. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, around 30% of the army’s needs are domestically produced — a figure he called “not enough, but still significant”. And despite drones playing a crucial role in modern warfare, Fedorov emphasised that traditional weapons systems, like Patriot air defence systems, remain “the backbone of the protection of Ukrainian cities and civilians.” Those weapons, however, are predominantly supplied by Ukraine’s western partners, such as the US, which briefly suspended military support a few weeks ago. Looking ahead, Fedorov envisions a future where warfare is driven by technology, “where drones will battle drones.”Ukraine’s European allies share this view and are considering adapting to technological warfare by investing in relatively inexpensive drones as part of their increased defence spending. Moritz Schularick, President of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), told German public broadcaster ZDF that NATO’s eastern flank “could not only be defended with tanks, but also a forest of drones”, highlighting how low-cost drones have the potential to destroy tanks worth millions.This development calls for closer cooperation, and Fedorov added that he envisions a “very close cooperation” between the Ukrainian and European armies.”We have launched several projects together with our European partners, both in Ukraine and Europe, in line with the new strategy, the EU’s Defence White Paper, and rearmament efforts, as well as the further development of military and defence technology to strengthen the EU’s defence potential,” Fedorov explained. “Of course, we are exploring multiple opportunities to share our experience from such a long frontline, which is unique.”The race for technological superiorityThe front line extends approximately 2,100 kilometres and is, in many areas, monitored by drones from both sides. As electronic devices, drones are frequently subjected to jamming, which disrupts the signal between them and their operators. Recently, Russia began using fibre-optic drones, which are more expensive but impossible to jam. These drones fly low and – depending on the operator’s skills – can slip into trenches, vehicles, or dugouts. Ukraine responded quickly and is now also deploying fibre-optic drones. “We have more than ten companies producing fibre-optic drones,” Fedorov explained, adding that while he cannot share exact figures, he confirms that hundreds of thousands have already been produced. “I believe this category of fibre-optic drones will play a pivotal role on the battlefield at least until the end of this year. That’s why we provide all necessary incentives to increase their production.”A drone, however, is almost useless without a skilled operator. For the last year, Ukraine has seen a significant drop in voluntary army sign-ups. In response, Zelenskyy has lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 and made it compulsory for men to update their military registration data on an online tool called Reserve+.Fedorov’s Ministry of Digital Transformation has contributed another app called Diia, offering recruitment specifically for drone units. “Our app allows recruits to sign a contract with minimum bureaucracy,” he added. Many Ukrainians who haven’t signed up don’t trust their request to be recruited into a specific unit, as “it depends on the mood of the person processing your details,” one Ukrainian man told Euronews. Others, some from drone units, have been redeployed – often without giving the soldier any other choice – to infantry units.This lack of trust has not gone past Fedorov, who acknowledged these cases: “About six months ago, there were some high-profile cases where such situations occurred.” Fedorov confirmed that whoever now signs a contract for a specific military speciality will serve in that role.”There is no longer any fear of being reassigned. Drone operators, in particular, have proven to be among the most effective personnel. Units that operate drones are highly organised and structured along modern lines. There is no longer any concern that they will be reassigned to other roles,” he said.Digital infrastructure under pressureUkraine is heavily reliant on the internet, whether for its use of drones to defend against Russian aggression or for civilian purposes. A “unique protection system was built” to protect its digital infrastructure, Fedorov explained.”We do not store any personal data. Instead, we aggregate information from decentralised registries, which are managed by various government ministries and agencies.” “We are authorised to access these registries and continuously conduct bug bounty programmes – similar to those used by NASA and Tesla – where ethical hackers are paid to identify vulnerabilities,” he continued. A secure and reliable internet connection is crucial. However, this connection – especially for the military — has been haunted by rumours that Elon Musk might shut off his company’s Starlink service, which has supported large parts of the Ukrainian military since February 2022. Fedorov noted that, alongside these rumours, there have also been statements from the US affirming that Starlink will not be used to pressure Ukraine. “Starlink is also used by many civilian organisations, including energy infrastructure, healthcare, and communication.”Regardless, the minister of digital transformation emphasised that a parallel, proprietary system has been built to ensure military drones remain connected to the internet. “This alternative infrastructure will enable Ukraine to remain operational and resilient in any situation,” Fedorov concluded.
