The evolution of drone warfare is not confined to the battlefields of Ukraine; it is also making significant waves in Western military strategy. As a direct response to the ongoing conflict, Western armed forces, particularly Germany’s Bundeswehr, are re-evaluating their modernization initiatives. This shift prioritizes not only traditional heavy-armored vehicles but also emphasizes the tactical advantages of small, agile, and economically viable drones.
Germany’s drone deployment plans
Germany has recently announced plans to deploy six units of attack drones over the next several years. “We’ve already started running tests,” stated Lieutenant General Dr. Christian Freuding, the newly appointed Inspector of the Army. The first medium-range drone unit is projected to be operational by 2027, with plans for five additional units, including one equipped with long-range precision munitions, by 2029. The ongoing tests include the development of loitering munitions, dubbed “kamikaze” drones.
A unique training experience for civilians
In an innovative move, the Ukrainian military has adapted its training methodologies by introducing the Ukrainian Fight Drone Simulator (UFDS) to the public. Launched on Steam on December 10, this simulator, tailored for civilian users under the title “Starter Edition,” draws from the advanced training tools utilized by Ukrainian forces. The design aims to provide non-military users with a foundational understanding and hands-on experience in navigating combat drones under realistic conditions.
“It’s designed for non-military users primarily to give them a basic understanding and experience of operating a combat drone in true-to-life conditions,” said Oleg, a member of the Ukrainian Drone Fight Group.
The main objective is to immerse regular users in the complexities faced by Ukrainian drone operators on a daily basis. While many features and missions are reserved for military training facilities, civilians can access a simplified map system and a limited number of missions to gain insight into drone operations.
In this simulation, users pilot drones from a first-person perspective, requiring them to select payloads, analyze maps, and strategize retreat paths. This level of engagement provides a more authentic experience compared to conventional military-themed video games.
Additionally, the war in Ukraine is influencing the gaming landscape, as seen in titles like DayZ, where players encounter a form of digital conflict, mirroring real-life tensions without physical repercussions. This phenomenon has led to a sort of virtual proxy war, offering an outlet for frustrations related to the actual conflict.
On a broader scale, the Russian educational system has significantly integrated drone operations into its curriculum. Reports indicate that approximately 540 million roubles (over €5.7 million) were allocated for drone-related education in 2024, involving simulators, FPV drones, and UAV labs. The goal is to train millions of drone specialists by 2030, signifying a robust commitment to advancing drone technology.
In contrast, the Ukrainian approach is equally committed, with over 5,000 drone pilots trained on the UFDS simulator. The developers are eager to incorporate feedback from active military personnel to enhance the simulator continually. “Our goal has been to achieve as realistic experience as possible, up to the level of flying a drone on screen and in reality with the same results demonstrated,” Oleg elaborated.
Furthermore, the team collaborates closely with operational brigades, integrating insights from current battlefield developments, tactics, and challenges into the simulator’s evolving framework. Recent enhancements include a specialized model for training fibre-optic drone operators, which are designed to circumvent electronic interference.
Drones are fundamentally transforming military strategies, and the UFDS underscores the necessity for every soldier in future armed forces to possess a basic understanding of drone operations. The simulator allows users to engage in practice missions safely, mitigating risks to personnel and equipment.
The UFDS team envisions broader adoption of their simulator for military training, having already reached out to various German organizations, although not currently collaborating with the Bundeswehr. Oleg noted that integrating software-based simulations with live tactical drills could significantly enhance training outcomes.
Under Germany’s Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance, military training simulators are classified as specialized defense items. Oleg commented, “Germany is clearly on the path of modernizing its defense capabilities, and the use of simulation-based training is a quick and cost-effective way on the path to that goal.” He expressed hope for the acceleration of training program integration across European nations to facilitate quicker adoption of such innovations.