Inside Ukraine’s Call of Duty drone units

Key Concepts

• E-Points: A points-based reward system used by Ukrainian drone units, earned for destroying or capturing enemy equipment/personnel.
• Brave One Marketplace: An online platform where Ukrainian soldiers can exchange E-Points for weapons and drone equipment.
• FPV Drones: First-Person View drones, known for their agility and used for explosive payloads.
• Bomber Drones: Larger drones designed to carry heavier explosives and target high-value assets.
• Leaderboard: A ranking system displaying the performance of different drone units based on E-Point accumulation.

Ukraine’s Points-Based Drone Warfare System

The Ukrainian military is employing a unique system of incentivizing drone warfare through a points-based reward program. This system, utilizing “E-Points,” allows drone units to earn credits for confirmed kills and captures, which can then be redeemed for weaponry via the “Brave One” marketplace – described as an “Amazon for war.” The initiative appears to be a response to long-standing mobilization challenges, proving highly effective in attracting recruits, particularly from the gaming community.

E-Point Valuation & Target Prioritization

The point values assigned to different targets reflect Ukrainian strategic priorities. A Russian soldier is worth 12 points, while a drone operator earns 25 points. Larger, more impactful targets yield significantly higher rewards: a tank is valued at 40 points, a multiple rocket launcher at 50 points, and a captured enemy soldier commands the highest value at 120 points. This high valuation of prisoners of war underscores Ukraine’s need for intelligence and potential exchange opportunities. The September 2023 downing of a Russian helicopter by the 59th Brigade, captured via first-person view drone footage, was a landmark achievement worth 100 points – reportedly the first of its kind.

The Brave One Marketplace & Demand

The Brave One marketplace serves as the exchange platform for E-Points. According to a Brave One spokesperson, the most sought-after items are “nimble explosive charged FPV drones” and “larger bomber drones” used to eliminate high-value targets. This indicates a focus on both precision strikes and the destruction of critical enemy assets. The marketplace aims to ensure equipment reaches units capable of utilizing it effectively.

Competitive Landscape & Unit Performance

Approximately 400 drone units are actively participating in the E-Point system, fostering competition through a publicly displayed leaderboard. This competitive element is explicitly credited by the Ukrainian army as a driver of effectiveness. Three high-performing units – the Nemesis Brigade, the 59th Brigade, and Lazar’s Group – were interviewed regarding their experiences with the system.

Recruitment & Demographic Shift

These drone units are experiencing success in recruitment, particularly among younger demographics, specifically targeting former gamers through social media campaigns. This suggests a shift in the profile of Ukrainian soldiers, leveraging skills honed in the virtual world for real-world combat applications.

Potential Drawbacks & Ethical Considerations

Despite its successes, the system is not without potential drawbacks. Units expressed concern that the points-based system could incentivize soldiers to prioritize “easy targets” that yield maximum points, potentially diverting attention from more strategically important objectives. As stated by the units interviewed, “a war is not one with points,” highlighting the risk of tactical decisions being driven by reward accumulation rather than overall military strategy.

Synthesis

Ukraine’s E-Point system represents an innovative, albeit unconventional, approach to modern warfare. By gamifying combat and leveraging the skills of a new generation of soldiers, Ukraine has created a highly motivated and effective drone force. However, the potential for unintended consequences – prioritizing point accumulation over strategic objectives – necessitates careful monitoring and potential adjustments to the system to ensure it remains aligned with broader military goals.