In a quiet suburban home in the Kyiv region, what used to be a florist’s workspace has been transformed into a drone assembly area. Here, Magdalyna, a 27-year-old Ukrainian, is part of a growing number of civilians turning their homes into workshops to build first-person view drones (FPVs) for the military, an endeavor that has become crucial as Ukraine contends with ammunition shortages.
Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s reliance on FPVs has surged as the country awaits Western support, including a recent package of military aid from the United States. These civilian drones, repurposed to carry explosives, have redefined the battlefield, demonstrating their ability to surprise enemy troops in trenches and eliminate equipment. Despite the production of drones now taking place in factories—with a pledge to manufacture a staggering 1 million this year—many are still being made by civilians at home. Their decentralized production makes them less susceptible to Russian missile attacks compared to large-scale military facilities.
Magdalyna, who has constructed 150 drones and repaired countless others, including captured Russian ones, underscores the importance of these devices. She has managed to raise over $200,000, primarily through online donations, to purchase parts. The FPVs are known for their cost-effectiveness, with a homemade FPV estimated at around 250 euros being compared to the one-shot Javelin missile, which costs 70,000 euros.
The grassroots initiative SocialDrone has been instrumental in mobilizing volunteers like Magdalyna. By distributing component lists and instructional guides for drone assembly, and even publishing a detailed YouTube tutorial, SocialDrone has reached over 400,000 viewers since November, teaching hundreds the craft of drone-making. The group rigorously tests each drone before sending them to the front, ensuring they meet the necessary standards to support the military efforts.
This civilian response is not limited to adults. Yan, a 13-year-old boy, inspired by the YouTube video, spends his weekends building drones, now a newfound hobby that contributes to the war effort. Similarly, Ivan Bilodid, 65, a thermal energy engineer whose home was damaged and looted during the Russian advance, found personal motivation to join the effort, having sent 12 drones to the front.
The collective endeavor of civilians like Magdalyna, Ivan, and young Yan illustrates a profound dedication to their country’s defense. This enterprise, spanning across generations and backgrounds, resonates with the sentiment of Oleksii Asanov, an IT worker and co-founder of SocialDrone.
This surge in home-made drone production coincides with Ukraine’s broader call for a strengthened military presence. The Ukrainian government has implemented policies to encourage conscription-age men abroad to return and join the fight, an effort supported by neighboring countries understanding the gravity of the situation. As foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba stated, the aim is to ensure “justice in the relationship between Ukrainian men abroad and Ukrainian men inside of Ukraine.”
In times of dire need, the Ukrainian people have showcased an innovative and communal approach to warfare—turning homes into bastions of resistance and crafting drones with the same care as one would arrange a bouquet of flowers, all with the aim of protecting their homeland.
Relevant articles:
– As Ukraine runs low on ammo, civilians build troops DIY drones at home, Stripes, 04/28/2024
– Ukraine pushes to get military-age men to come home. Some neighboring countries say they will help, The Associated Press, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:44:00 GMT