Ukrainian Drone Warfare Competition
The Ukrainian government has developed a points-based competition to incentivize drone operators in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This initiative, launched softly in August 2024, awards points to regiments for successful drone strikes on Russian targets, which can be redeemed for advanced military equipment.
Point System and Rewards
- Points are awarded based on the type of target hit:
- Wounding a Russian soldier: 8 points
- Killing a Russian soldier: 12 points
- Wounding a Russian drone pilot: 15 points
- Killing a Russian drone pilot: 25 points
- Capturing a Russian soldier alive: 120 points
- Destroying equipment also yields points:
- Russian multiple-launch rocket system: 70 points
- Destroying a tank: 40 points
- Damaging a tank: 20 points
Brave1 Market
The Brave1 Market is an internal online store that allows units to exchange points for military gear, including surveillance drones and explosive-carrying drones. The system aims to reward effective teams by providing them with better equipment.
Impact on War Effort
- The program aims to motivate troops and help maintain morale amid the prolonged conflict.
- Drone teams submit video evidence of their strikes to a central office in Kyiv for point verification.
- The initiative reflects an innovative, digital-age approach to military rewards.
Challenges and Adjustments
- The points system has been adjusted over time, reflecting changes in Russian tactics.
- Since its introduction, over 80,000 drones and electronic warfare systems, worth over $96 million, have been ordered through this program.
- Some issues persist, such as delays in drone deliveries and discrepancies in point assignments for destroyed equipment.
Comparison with Russian Efforts
Russia has its own battlefield incentives, offering monetary bonuses for destroying Ukrainian equipment, such as $2,400 for a helicopter and $12,000 for a Leopard tank.