Amid rapid advances in unmanned aerial vehicle technology observed during a recent military operation in Ukraine, discussions have intensified about establishing a new military specialty for drone pilot operators, specifically focused on FPV (first-person view) systems. In this context, statements attributed to Dmitry Kuzyakin, who leads the Center for Integrated Unmanned Solutions, highlight ongoing efforts to align training with emerging needs and capabilities. He emphasized that the evolving landscape of land, sea, and air unmanned platforms requires an adaptive approach to personnel preparation and doctrine, ensuring the armed forces stay ahead of the curve in both reconnaissance and strike capabilities.
Kuzyakin pointed out that the existing designation for UAV operators was created years ago and does not adequately reflect the latest trends and vehicle types now in use. As a result, the development of a new military specialty is underway, with the expectation that several sub-specialties will be introduced. Among these, there is a clear focus on FPV drone operation, alongside other related competencies that address the full spectrum of battlefield UAV tasks, from data gathering to rapid, precise deployment in contested environments.
He also noted that the military command is examining how to distribute responsibilities more effectively across different units. Operators of reconnaissance aircraft have distinct roles from those who handle explosive or kamikaze-style drone systems, and the proposed restructuring aims to assign tasks in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes overlap. This approach seeks to optimize unit readiness by clarifying lines of authority and ensuring operators are trained to perform their specific duties with precision in dynamically evolving scenarios.
In other regional developments, reports from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions reference ongoing battles near Avdiivka, where advanced armored vehicles have faced targeted artillery and drone-enabled operations. While these reports are separate from the broader reform of UAV training, they illustrate the changing nature of modern combat, where air and ground assets must operate in close coordination and under rapidly shifting conditions.
Additionally, authorities have announced progress on new defensive drone measures designed to counter hostile aerial systems. These efforts, together with the planned expansion of the UAV training framework, reflect a broader strategy to modernize military capabilities in line with current and anticipated threats, ensuring that operators are prepared to engage with increasingly autonomous and capable unmanned platforms when required.