Deputy Minister of Defence Valerii Churkin: Unified standards for unmanned systems are a pressing need

Today, Ukraine has a real opportunity to establish an effective mechanism for standardizing unmanned systems, enabling the large-scale production of top-performing models.

This was outlined in an op-ed by Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Valerii Churkin, published by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

He noted that the focus is on optimizing the number of system variants serving the same function. “This is not about imposing uniformity or eliminating competition — it’s about standardization that enables large-scale production of the best models,” said Valerii Churkin.

The optimal approach is to have dozens of standardized drone models within specific categories, rather than hundreds of different ones. “This will enable greater production of superior drone models at lower costs, accelerate and improve the quality of operator training, and ultimately boost the effectiveness of UAV-operating units,” he said.

Units now operate drones supplied by different manufacturers. These drones share similar functions but vary in components, control systems, and munitions. As a result, we are seeing a multiplicity of technological solutions, component bases, implementation approaches, etc. Consequently, this situation generates a range of challenges.

Operator training is another challenge arising from the proliferation of UAV types. When new drone models are introduced, operators are required to undergo retraining in the specifics of piloting and maintenance. The diversity of models considerably complicates the process.

The diversity of components, differing protocols, and the lack of unified standards significantly reduce the effectiveness of even the most advanced technical solutions.

That is precisely why standardization is essential.

This process can be phased. For example, by specific system components such as frames, engines, initiation boards, control systems, and munitions. At each stage, the most effective models should be identified and used as the basis for standardization. The next phase is scaling up.