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15,000 vacancies: how to join the Drone Line and stop the enemy within the kill zone

A military drone operator controls an FPV drone using a controller while wearing a specialized headset
The Drone Line requires specialists across a wide range of roles

Unmanned technologies have become a key factor in modern warfare. The Drone Line project is intended to align innovation with the needs of the military, while those willing to join the Defence Forces can find their place within this system.

The Drone Line is a project launched by the President of Ukraine aimed at scaling a new doctrine of technology-driven warfare.

The Drone Line: key tasks

Last year, the Drone Line was incorporated into the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Its primary tasks include:

  • establishing a kill zone with a depth of 10–15 km, within which the enemy cannot operate without sustaining losses;
  • ensuring continuous aerial support and protection of infantry units;
  • destroying targets before they approach Ukrainian positions.

The Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine constitute the world’s first branch of service to employ aerial, maritime surface and subsurface, and ground-based unmanned and robotic systems in combat operations.

Drone Line units

From the outset, the project has incorporated leading units:

  • 427th Separate Brigade “RAROG” (USF);
  • 20th Separate Brigade “K-2” (USF);
  • 429th Separate Brigade “Achilles” (USF);
  • 414th Separate Brigade “Magyar Birds” (USF);
  • 3rd Border Guard Detachment “Phoenix” (State Border Guard Service of Ukraine).

At the same time, the Drone Line also supports other units operating under the new doctrine, including 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade “Nemesis” (USF); 59th Separate Assault Unmanned Systems Brigade “Steppe Predators” (USF); 1st Separate Unmanned Systems Center (USF), among others.

How to join the Drone Line

Individuals wishing to join the Drone Line must first select a unit and complete an application form, enabling recruiters to match them with the most relevant position. This is followed by an interview and testing phase.

Civilians receive support from the enlistment office throughout the process until assignment to a unit. If applying through the 6th USF Recruitment Center, the process is conducted without the enlistment office's involvement.

Recruits undergo basic general military training (for civilians) and are subsequently assigned to their unit for further service.

A specialized basic general military training (BGMT) program has been developed for the Drone Line. The primary emphasis is placed on practical training based on real combat experience.

Training is conducted at three specialized centers, with skills development supported by modern simulators. Operators and pilots are trained at the Armed Forces of Ukraine training centers with the involvement of leading civilian training institutions.

If your specialty relates to explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), engineering, or data analysis, you will undergo training under specialized programs. Following training, personnel undergo a unit integration phase within a crew, platoon, company, or tactical group.

Positions available within the Drone Line

The Unmanned Systems Forces grouping is seeking:

  • UAV operators;
  • engineers;
  • medics;
  • IT specialists;
  • drivers;
  • other specialists prepared to contribute to the development of a modern military and help change the course of events.

Whether serving as a drone pilot or a driver, the role involves extensive use of modern technologies and digital tools.

The current list of vacancies is available on the website usforces.army. Information on available positions and joining the Drone Line is also accessible via the Diia and Reserve+ apps.

The Ministry of Defence previously published a step-by-step guide on recruitment into the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

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