As Ukraine fights for freedom in the Russia-Ukraine War, drones (including consumer camera drones from DJI) are a key technology. Dignitas Ukraine, which is a non-profit that supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom, wants to get as many drones in the hands of Ukrainian fighters as possible.
Drones play a crucial role in the Ukraine war by providing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to aid military operations and targeting. Additionally, they are used for strike missions, electronic warfare, and logistics, with both military and modified civilian drones contributing to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone, is calling this the “first full-scale drone war.” Last year, the Ukrainian government committed $2 billion to the production of FPV drones, and U.S.-based Red Cat in 2023 received a purchase order of 200 long-range, high-speed FPV (first-person view) drones to be sent to Ukrainian drone pilots engaged in the war with Russia.
But non-profits and private citizens want to get more drones into more hands beyond that, which is where Dignitas Ukraine comes in.
What is the Dignitas Ukraine
For over a decade, Dignitas Ukraine has been at the forefront of supporting Ukraine, leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen the country’s defense.
A group of dedicated volunteers established the Dignitas Ukraine way back in 2013. Initially, its work included assisting Ukrainian tech startups in securing investments from U.S. investors. It also did a lot of work to support the Ukrainian military, including providing children of fallen Ukrainian soldiers with birthday gifts and educational supplies, and helping Ukrainian veterans reintegrate into civilian life through IT and cybersecurity training.
In February 2023, the team officially founded “Dignitas Ukraine,” designed to focus specifically on helping Ukraine achieve victory in the ongoing war with Russia. Dignitas Ukraine is incorporated in New Jersey and is a recognized 501(c)(3) charity organization, which means donations are tax-deductible.
And today, the non-profit organization has played a critical role in training, supplying, and advocating for the use of technology in Ukraine’s fight for freedom. One of its most impactful areas of focus? Drones.
Technology as a force multiplier in the war with Russia
“We believe that Ukraine can win with the help of technology,” Dignitas Ukraine President Dmytro Kavun said in an interview with The Drone Girl. “Many of the technologies used on the front lines are regular civilian technologies. And can do wonders in the current situation in Ukraine.”
Since the early days of the conflict, drones have become an essential tool for reconnaissance, intelligence and battlefield operations. One of Dignitas Ukraine’s co-founders, Maria Berlinska, has been a strong advocate for the use of drones in Ukraine’s defense efforts.
“She’s a visionary and evangelist,” Kavun said. “Ever since she volunteered on the front lines, she saw the benefits of using civilian drones in warfare.”
Acquiring drones (and building them in their kitchens)
One of the key goals of Dignitas Ukraine is to get drones of any and every kind to Ukraine. They use small camera drones like the DJI Mini line for training. They are actively seeking smaller drone companies that are willing to test their product in Ukraine (or simply donate their drones to the cause) to send over drones that can be used.
And because that’s not enough, Dignitas Ukraine also empowers Ukrainians to build their own drones from their homes.
“You probably wouldn’t expect people to be making drones in their kitchens,” Kavun said. “But Maria said we need as many drones as possible, and that means embracing a DIY approach.”
Dignitas Ukraine developed a course that teaches individuals how to assemble drones from basic components.
“Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have taken the course,” Kavun said. “Some had never built anything before, while others have gone on to scale up their efforts, launching small and even larger size manufacturing operations.”
The initiative has even gained traction beyond Ukraine.
“We translated the course into English, and youth organizations in the U.S. have started building drones to both upskill themselves and support their counterparts in Ukraine,” Kavun said.
Training the next generation of drone operators
Recognizing that simply supplying drones is not enough, Dignitas Ukraine has placed a strong emphasis on training.
“You can’t just give someone a drone and expect them to fly it, especially in combat conditions,” says Kavun. “Even something as user-friendly as a DJI drone requires specialized knowledge in a war zone.”
To date, Dignitas Ukraine has trained over 100,000 people in drone operation, covering essential topics like battery management, flying in winter conditions, operational planning, and maintaining communication links.
“It’s not just about flying a drone,” Kavun said. “It’s about understanding geo-intelligence, reading maps, and knowing how to fly without a camera if needed. Cybersecurity is also a crucial component.”
What drones are being used in Ukraine
While U.S. politicians are calling to ban DJI drones for military use, it’s DJI drones that are the hottest commodity in Ukraine.
“DJI drones are more technologically advanced, half the cost of competitors like Skydio drones, and their innovation cycle is faster,” Kavun said. “Ukraine uses every drone it can get, but DJI drones dominate because of their affordability and superior performance.”
Within the DJI family, different drone models serve different purposes.
“DJI Mini drones are mostly used for training, while Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Pro drones are used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,” Kavun said. “The Mavic 3T and 3E are particularly useful in cold weather since their thermal contrast makes it easier to identify targets. The Matrice series, with its powerful camera, can detect threats from greater distances.”
Advocacy and partnerships for a stronger Ukraine
Beyond training and procurement, Dignitas Ukraine is focused on advocacy and forging global partnerships.
“We work both in Ukraine and the U.S. to highlight Ukraine’s fight for freedom and seek technology manufacturers willing to test their innovations in Ukraine,” Kavun said.
The organization collaborates with companies to improve drone technology and adapt it to real-world combat conditions.
“We’re a non-profit, but we can facilitate equipment delivery and provide critical feedback on how to enhance these technologies,” Kavun said. “With continued support, innovation, and collaboration, we can help Ukraine stand strong.”
For more information, visit Dignitas Ukraine’s website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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