The Ukrainian war is already being dubbed the “Drone War.” Requests for drones on the frontline are growing, as well as the demand for highly skilled pilots. In the span of two years, nearly two dozen drone operator training institutions have emerged in Ukraine. We spoke with the head of one such educational institution, Michelle Armand, formerly a well-known Ukrainian journalist who now leads one of the most prominent drone operator schools called Free Air.
An exclusive interview for Pro Ukraine.
Michelle, tell us what you were doing before the full-scale invasion?
I’m a professional journalist with over 15 years of experience in the field. I’ve worked in various Ukrainian media outlets, ranging from online publications to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. I’ve gone through the entire journey, having been a photojournalist, article writer, and television host. I delved into military journalism, produced documentary films on political subjects, served as the chief editor of a magazine, deputy director of a local TV channel, and found success in political PR. Journalism is my life. Of course, priorities have shifted now, but my love for this profession remains.
During the full-scale invasion, were you still working as a journalist?
Not exactly. At that time, I had taken a brief hiatus from the profession. I decided to try something new. I managed a YouTube channel for a Ukrainian IT company and awaited a new appointment. February 24th was supposed to be my first day at a new position, getting to know my new team. However, like all Ukrainians, I woke up at 4 in the morning to explosions and realized that life had changed forever.
How did the idea of creating a drone operator school come about?
At the end of February and the beginning of March, I felt quite lost. I wanted to help but wasn’t quite sure how. Like everyone else, I volunteered. I would wake up, load two dogs into the car, and head to the volunteer center to help distribute supplies. Initially, I considered organizing my own center. However, in Ukraine, since 2013, particularly since the Revolution of Dignity, there has been a well-established network of volunteers with connections, supply chains, and a functioning aid system. It was from them that I heard about the need for civilian drones used for reconnaissance and the constant loss or damage of these drones. It became clear that military personnel needed training, or there wouldn’t be enough drones.
Thanks to my work, I had many friends and acquaintances who could help with this. Through phone calls and social media, I connected with a group of people who had already tried to provide training. Interestingly, among the five of us, only two had military experience. Our team consisted of a professional videographer with over 6 years of aerial photography experience, a transportation engineer specializing in modeling and research using aerial photography since 2020, a cybersecurity and information decryption specialist, and an active-duty aerial reconnaissance officer with combat experience since 2015. One team member was also a developer of modern automated control systems for military UAVs used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
In a short period, we addressed many logistical issues, secured a training facility, acquired several drones for instruction, organized our collective knowledge, and determined the curriculum needed for our students. Our first full-fledged group joined us in April 2022.
How did you develop the training program?
Through sweat and blood, without exaggeration. Things change rapidly on the front lines, so it’s crucial to stay constantly attuned. Our program adapts to the evolving events, providing our students with the freshest information to maximize their productivity. Undoubtedly, their safety depends on this as well. While certain fundamentals remain unchanged in the training, like basic knowledge, those who completed the program a few months ago often return to school to acquire additional valuable information. Being a drone operator is akin to being a doctor—you constantly need to keep learning.
Who are your students?
Our students are members of the security and defense forces of Ukraine—everyone who requires these knowledge and skills. While I can’t provide more specific details, it includes the police, the State Emergency Service, demining services, and so on. Well, you understand. Based on nearly two years of wartime experience, I can confidently say that drone operation is a fundamental skill for all military and emergency services, akin to marksmanship or driving.
Yes, we understand. Currently, there are over 20 schools operating in Ukraine. Is your program the same, and do you compete with each other?
There are fundamentals that remain unchanged, much like handwriting, for example. No matter which hand you use, left or right, the letters will be the same. The difference lies in the writing style and penmanship. It’s similar here. Everything else depends on the experience of the instructors. And here we go back to the previous question (smiles).
Primarily, we train on consumer-grade models: DJI and Autel quadcopters, which are currently widely supplied to the front lines. However, we also offer courses for DJI Matrice 30, DJI M30T, DJI MATRICE 300 RTK. We are currently actively working on developing an FPV course.
We’ve had cases where people who have already completed a course in other schools come to us for training. And that’s normal. Some may lack theory, while others may lack practical experience. No, I don’t see us as competitors because we’re all in the same line of work. We’re all working to defend our country.
Who are your instructors?
This information is not for public disclosure (smiles). I can say that all our instructors have real combat experience and teach not just how to operate drones, but how to use them in combat conditions. They are incredibly dedicated individuals who go above and beyond their duties. Instructors are available 24/7. Even groups that have long completed training can reach out by text or call at night and receive highly qualified guidance. These are people who can remotely solve almost any issue related to drones and arising problems. They are constantly engaged in self-education and attend relevant workshops. Currently, their names are not disclosed, but I am confident that after the victory, they will receive the title of Heroes of Ukraine.
And how does the school function financially?
Oh, that’s a very challenging question. “Free Air” school is a non-profit public organization. Everything we have, we purchase with our own funds—equipment, wires, memory cards, and much more. Yes, volunteers help us. In the summer, we received 15 tablets for training from volunteers. These are essential items but are expensive for us. We are very grateful for the assistance.
We also have several drones donated by volunteers, but these models are outdated. We could ask for newer ones, but our conscience doesn’t allow it because we are not the top priority in need of them. Currently, students come for training mostly with their own drones, especially if they are from the DJI Matrice series. The prices for those are astronomical. Until we find sponsors who can help us acquire these drone models, we continue to face challenges. Additionally, we have an FPV class, and all of this requires significant expenses. We would appreciate any assistance.
How many people have you already trained?
In two years, around 2500 students. We have four “Hogwarts-like” faculties—for the crafty, the fearless, the highly intelligent, and those who are experts in local terrain. The maximum number of students in one group is 20. We offer an express course that lasts five days and a regular course that spans two weeks. The training slots have been booked two months in advance since the summer of last year (smiles).
How much does the training cost?
The training is free for the security and defense forces of Ukraine. We considered implementing courses for civilians, as other schools do, to generate some income. However, there are many things we lack for that.
What challenges do you face?
Besides financial ones? (laughs). It’s the actions of the enemy. In the spring of 2023, we lost our training location to an enemy missile. Fortunately, no one was harmed. Then, information about schools, including names, addresses, and the names of those in charge, was published in occupied social media channels. It was very unpleasant. At that time, we shut down our website and deleted all phone numbers, leaving only a virtual mailbox. We enhanced security. We thoroughly vet all training applications and inquiries. These times demand such an approach.
Will the school continue to operate after the victory?
This war has already been dubbed the “Drone War.” Ukrainian military personnel devise new ways to use drones daily. Drones are used for reconnaissance, delivering supplies to the front lines, escorting soldier evacuations, and, most importantly, neutralizing the enemy. It is already evident that many challenges can be addressed through drones. Our instructors possess knowledge and experience that will be valuable even during peacetime. So yes, we will continue working even after Victory.
What are you proud of?
We have achieved a lot during this time. For instance, several of our students received the President’s commendation for the successful completion of their combat tasks. Even after finishing the course, students stay in touch, sending videos and taking pride in their work. Most importantly, they are all alive, healthy, and proficient in carrying out combat missions, saving lives. That, for us, is the greatest achievement.
What are your plans for the future?
Victory.
And also, to save as many lives as possible, both military and civilian. Because where drones and pilots are lacking, the battle is fought at the cost of human lives, and that is too high a price.
