Drones in War: How FPV and Mavic Are Changing the Game for the Ukrainian Army
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we’ve heard more and more about this being a war of drones. Indeed, UAVs have become key tools on the battlefield — both for reconnaissance and for targeting the enemy.
FPV drones and Mavic are among the most widely used by the Ukrainian military. What are their advantages, and how are the Ukrainian Armed Forces using UAVs in combat conditions? Let’s break it down.
Why Are Drones So Important on the Frontline?
Today, drones are the eyes of the Ukrainian soldier. Thanks to UAVs:
- The risk to life during reconnaissance has significantly decreased.
- Reconnaissance drones can identify enemy positions and adjust artillery fire with maximum precision.
- Soldiers stay safer and more operationally effective.
In modern warfare, the most valuable resource is human life. That’s why drones are so highly valued — they save lives while boosting combat performance.
What Is an FPV Drone?
FPV (First Person View) drones are equipped with cameras that transmit images from the “pilot’s” perspective.
Key features:
- Camera faces the flight direction, letting operators see what the drone sees.
- Typically built from individual components, making them more affordable than factory-produced drones like DJI.
- Ideal for precision attack and situational awareness.
Which Drones Are Most Commonly Used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces?
The Ukrainian army uses over 70 drone models, including both strike and reconnaissance types. Popular models include:
🔹 DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3T
- Mobile, precise, and effective for assaults and technical support.
- Operational range: over 15 km.
🔹 DJI Matrice 300
- Known for exceptional camera quality, strong zoom, and stabilization.
- Requires two operators: one for flight, another for reconnaissance.
🔹 DJI Matrice 30 / 30T
- Easier to control.
- Doesn’t require dual operators.
- Strong connection, frequently used by artillery units.
🔹 Ukrainian-Made FPV Drones
- Example: “Backfire”, completed 50+ combat missions.
- Custom-built for specific missions.
🔹 Other models include:
- Leleka-100, Punisher, PD-2, Valkyrie, and more.
How to Choose the Right Drone for Your Unit’s Tasks?
The choice depends on several key factors:
✅ Unit’s Mission Type
- Some work exclusively with FPV drones.
- Others need drones for bomb drops or long-range patrols.
✅ Thermal Imaging
- A critical tool for detecting targets at night and directing fire accurately.
✅ Budget
- Affordable options like SJRC E99 Pro or ZLRC SG106:
- Limited in functionality.
- Still suitable for basic reconnaissance tasks.
Why Is It Important to Support Drone Fundraisers?
War is about synergy — not just between reconnaissance and strike units, but between the military and civilians.
📌 Drone fundraising is:
- Not just charity, but a core part of the defense effort.
- A way for the public to equip the army with critical tech.
- Essential to ensure the frontline gets what it needs.
Without volunteers, donors, and civil society, Ukraine’s military cannot maintain its UAV capabilities.
Conclusion: Drones Are Not the Future — They Are the Present of War
FPV and Mavic drones have revolutionized battlefield strategy. They:
- Enable more effective national defense.
- Reduce casualties among soldiers.
- Provide a technological edge in the sky.
Supporting local drone production, volunteer efforts, and UAV fundraising is mission-critical for Ukraine’s victory.
“Victory is not only forged on the ground, but also in the air — and drones are our wings.”
