Ukrainian Drone Unit Innovates Amid Operator Shortages and Jamming

MILAN — The “Typhoon” unit, a special forces division within Ukraine’s National Guard, is making significant strides in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) despite facing challenges such as operator shortages and electronic warfare tactics. Established in 2024, the unit initially concentrated on frontline first-person-view (FPV) operations, but it has since broadened its expertise to encompass various unmanned systems. The unit’s primary objectives include enhancing drone capabilities for combat and providing specialized training to operators.

In a recent video interview with Defense News, a member of the Typhoon unit, known only by the callsign “Alex” for security reasons, addressed the critical issue of operator shortages. He stated, “There is a shortage of pilots, but even more so, a shortage of motivated individuals.” Training a pilot from scratch can take a minimum of three months, particularly for those without prior experience in technical fields such as engineering or radio communications.

The training process emphasizes a dual skill set. According to Alex, “Piloting skills are important, but it’s equally important to have some engineering knowledge.” The unit prioritizes quality over quantity, focusing on delivering comprehensive training that includes fresh analyses of battlefield developments. By sharing insights on Russian jamming systems and effective frequencies, Typhoon aims to refine the skills of its pilots.

Adapting to Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare poses substantial challenges on the battlefield, particularly with Russian systems capable of covering nearly the entire frequency spectrum. Alex highlighted the importance of understanding the dynamics of enemy capabilities while recognizing that these systems cannot operate continuously. The unit often capitalizes on moments of vulnerability in enemy jamming systems to achieve successful strikes.

To counteract jamming, some FPV drones now utilize multiple receivers with antennas in various polarizations, enhancing their resilience against electronic warfare. “This redundancy works well because if one receiver or frequency is jammed, the drone can maintain control through the alternate receivers,” Alex explained.

The Typhoon unit’s focus on rapid adaptation extends to the components used in their drones. Alex noted that many operators rely on the same Chinese spare parts for FPVs, emphasizing the need for quality over sheer quantity. “Having additional spare parts is crucial,” he stated. This flexibility allows for quick adjustments to equipment, which is vital in an evolving combat environment.

Evaluating Western Unmanned Technologies

Alex shared observations regarding the effectiveness of Western-supplied unmanned technologies. He pointed out that some of the most successful systems have emerged from Germany and Poland, particularly the German-made Vector drones and Polish-made FlyEye drones. These systems benefit from direct feedback from ground operators, allowing for rapid modifications based on battlefield experiences.

Conversely, he criticized certain Western models, such as those from the U.S. company Skydio, which have struggled under current jamming conditions. He recounted a conversation with a European manufacturer of a fixed-wing strike drone that revealed a lack of testing in jamming environments similar to those faced in Ukraine. “They said, ‘No, we haven’t even once,’” Alex recalled, highlighting a gap in understanding battlefield realities.

The unit’s testing of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) also revealed significant challenges when operating under conditions that mimic actual combat. The strict testing protocols required manufacturers to navigate obstacles without direct line of sight and rely solely on remote feeds. This approach underscored the importance of designing systems capable of functioning under severe informational constraints.

As combat tactics evolve, so too do the capabilities of Russian unmanned systems. Alex noted the emerging use of fixed-wing reconnaissance drones that can deploy FPVs from significant distances, sometimes reaching up to 50 kilometers before release. This strategic advantage has been evident in recent strikes on major cities, including Kramatorsk, utilizing fiber-optic drones.

The Typhoon unit continues to adapt to these developments, focusing on improving the reliability of fiber-optic drones and understanding the intricacies of their operation. Alex emphasized that challenges such as signal interruptions and environmental factors significantly impact the efficiency of both FPV and fiber-optic drones.

In conclusion, the Typhoon unit’s innovative approach to unmanned systems training and operation reflects a commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by electronic warfare and operator shortages. By prioritizing quality training and adapting to the evolving battlefield landscape, the unit aims to enhance its operational effectiveness in the ongoing conflict.