In the war in Ukraine, we are now seeing the rise of a new generation of female drone operators on the frontlines. At the head of this charge is Elisabeth, who leads a mixed-gender, multi-tasking unit not far from the eastern frontline. Her experience reflects the resilience and determination of women stepping into roles traditionally held by men in a war-torn nation.
Elisabeth’s hometown suffered continuous shelling during 2022, leaving her to spend weeks sheltering in stairwells and basements bomb shelters. Though the experience was traumatic, it served to develop her leadership and sharp commitment to her unit. After a certain point, folks cease asking what they can do, is how she put it. This underscores all the more the urgency being experienced by those in her circle.
Ilona isn’t the only one on the cutting edge of drone operations. After seeing a marked increase in Russian drone attacks close to her home, she chose to register for a civilian-accessible drone school. With her two children now living in Europe, Ilona’s motivation is clear: she desires a safe Ukraine for their return. “Drone operators are not just the hunters, they are hunted,” she said, highlighting the extreme danger surrounding drone operators’ day-to-day work.
Ilona’s father, a survivor of the Second World War in Ukraine, his presence an embodiment of resilience born into generations of Ukrainian families. Perhaps it is this legacy that most inspires Ilona and leaders like her to take on the current threats with unyielding resolve. “So many men my age are dead,” she told me. This highlights the brutal toll of the current war on her community.
Dasha, another notable member of this cohort of female pilots, didn’t originally expect to work as a drone operator, either. She gets one of her Baba Yaga drones ready to fly. Her achievements are emblematic of the resourcefulness that countless women have exhibited since the full-scale invasion started last year. It’s not just out of choice, it’s because you have to be,” Dasha said, reflecting the attitude of all her peers that day.
Operator training is intense but short, with a 15-day course of instruction preparing operators for immediate frontline deployment. Because of the immediate threat from enemy targeting, the training center frequently changes location. Although there are many obstacles these challenges deterred, there are now inspiring active women operators. Thousands more are moving through training programs and new participants come on board each month.
Operators are at great risk as they do their work very close to the frontline, sometimes just a few kilometers away from Russian forces. More broadly, this strategy illustrates Ukraine’s increasing dependence on a large civilian population to assume duties typically undertaken by trained military forces. Civilian deaths escalated as hundreds of people—most of them civilians—are now queuing for training on a daily basis, wanting to fight for their nation’s defense.
Dasha conveys a powerful sentiment that resonates with many: “I don’t want my children to become the next generation of war children. That’s all the motivation I need.” Her words encapsulate the driving force behind these women’s efforts as they navigate the complexities of war while striving to secure a future for their families.