Ukraine leverages citizen volunteers to build precision drones Crowdsourced Arsenal

In a groundbreaking move, Ukraine has adopted an innovative strategy to bolster its warfighting capabilities by tapping into the power of crowdsourcing for drone assembly.

FPV (First Person View) drones, modified for kamikaze missions, have become a crucial component of Ukraine's military arsenal, offering low-cost precision weapons capable of long-range destruction, Caliber.Az writes, citing Forbes.

Oleksii, one of the many volunteers assembling drones at home, shared his experience, stating, “At first, it looked like some kind of rocket science, but after the first drone, it became clear that if you just follow the instructions, everything works out.”

The ambitious goal set by Ukraine in 2023 was to acquire 200,000 drones, and President Zelensky announced an even more staggering target of building a million drones for 2024. According to Hanna Hvozdiar, Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries, the production is on track, with approximately 200,000 FPV drones assembled in January and February 2024.

The innovative initiative involves crowdsourcing the assembly process to an army of volunteers like Oleksii, who work on building drones in their homes during their free time. The People's FPV program, launched by the government and managed by Victory Drones and the Vyriy company, plays a pivotal role in this approach.

An advert for the People's FPV program encourages participation with the message, "Do you want to build an FPV drone with your own hands that will burn a Russian tank? Then this opportunity is for you!" The program offers a two-week course of live Zoom lectures followed by question and answer sessions, providing enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills needed for drone assembly.

The success of this initiative lies not only in the production numbers but also in the collaborative spirit fostered by communities like Victory Drones and Social Drone UA. These FPV drone communities offer support, advice, and a platform for sharing information among like-minded individuals, creating a strong network of drone enthusiasts working towards a common goal.

The shift towards involving citizens in drone production marks a significant turning point, challenging initial scepticism and showcasing Ukraine's resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving military needs.