How DRONARIUM Turns Drones into Ukraine’s Strategic Advantage
IT ClusterIn 2014, DRONARIUM took to the skies to capture the world from above. Back then, it was a team of aerial photography enthusiasts documenting the beauty of cities, large-scale cultural events, and collaborating with emergency services. Soon, however, drones became their way to record history and change its course.
From the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone to the frontlines in Donbas, DRONARIUM pioneered «drone journalism», revealing the truth to the world from a bird’s-eye view. Their footage became an integral part of documentary filmmaking, and their collaboration with SAATCHI & SAATCHI earned prestigious awards such as Cannes Lions, X-Ray, The One Show, and others for projects like Motherland Pride and Minefield Honey.
What started as an art of aerial photography transformed into a crucial defense asset in 2022. DRONARIUM evolved into an academy that trains drone operators and helps Ukrainian defenders gain the upper hand in the sky.
The Morning of February 24, 2022 — A Test of Strength
In the first weeks of the full-scale invasion, as the role of drones on the battlefield became undeniable, DRONARIUM transformed into a military academy, focusing on training UAV pilots. Two training centers were established in Kyiv and Lviv, offering FPV and multirotor drone courses for both civilians and the military.
At the onset of the full-scale war, there were no state programs for training UAV operators, making DRONARIUM one of the few entities with the expertise and capability to teach. The academy co-founded an initiative within the Army of Drones program, providing military personnel with free training and UAVs.
Between 2022 and 2023, over 10,500 military personnel were trained, significantly enhancing the combat effectiveness of drone pilots within Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The academy’s programs are based on real combat experience, incorporating simulators, theoretical knowledge, and practical training that continuously evolves based on frontline feedback. DRONARIUM ACADEMY officially collaborates with the AFU, NGU, SSU, HUR, TDF, DPSU, DSNS, MVS, and other organizations.
Academy specialists have also shared their expertise with European military personnel, demonstrating drone warfare tactics. During meetings in Poland, Sweden, and Latvia, they showcased how Ukrainian drone technology and pilots are reshaping modern warfare.
New Positioning, Transformation, and Growth: What 2024 Brought
The academy has evolved into a multifunctional training, research, and production platform specializing in the development of aerial, ground, and underwater unmanned systems, as well as cutting-edge defense tech solutions.
This transformation was made possible through partnerships with organizations like Warmax (a Ukrainian manufacturer of electronic warfare, counter-UAV, and fiber-optic control systems for the military) and DRONARIUM AIR (a Ukrainian producer of cargo drones). The core of this evolution lies in the continuous testing of new drone combat tactics and close collaboration with Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
DRONARIUM ACADEMY is actively working on the digitalization of its training programs to make them as accessible as possible to soldiers on the front lines. Since troops cannot always travel for extended training in Kyiv or Lviv, the academy plans to transition much of its theoretical coursework to an online format.
Meanwhile, practical training will be adapted to meet army needs: DRONARIUM ACADEMY instructors will conduct on-site training directly within military units. This approach will enable soldiers to master UAV piloting skills in conditions as close to real combat as possible.
In 2024, the team conducted in-depth research on fiber-optic communication systems and successfully integrated them into the military sphere. Together with partners like Warmax, specialists presented this technology at demo days and masterclasses. The primary goal is to expand fiber-optic applications beyond kamikaze drones to include DRONARIUM AIR cargo bombers and ground platforms performing combat missions.
2025 Priorities: New Challenges, New Goals
As Ukraine enters the third year of full-scale war, DRONARIUM ACADEMY faces new challenges that demand swift and effective solutions. Key priorities include strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, introducing innovations in military technology, and automating critical processes.
From day one, DRONARIUM ACADEMY has independently funded military training, providing free courses and hands-on sessions for soldiers. This commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense remains a fundamental principle. However, it also creates an ongoing challenge — ensuring stable funding to maintain high-quality training and develop new approaches.
Another crucial task is rapid adaptation to technological changes on the battlefield — war evolves daily, and DRONARIUM’s mission is to stay ahead of the enemy by integrating cutting-edge solutions.
Beyond military programs, the Academy is actively expanding its training courses for businesses and private enterprises. This helps spread drone expertise in the civilian sector, foster technological advancement in Ukraine, and prepare new professionals in unmanned technologies.
The Future of Defense Technology
Through the years of war, DRONARIUM ACADEMY has grown from an aerial photography center into a leading training and research platform, preparing UAV operators and implementing advanced military technologies. The academy has expanded its collaboration with manufacturers, launched new courses for military and civilian use, and unlocked new opportunities for the development of unmanned systems.
In 2025, DRONARIUM ACADEMY will continue to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities — refining technologies, scaling training programs, and making them more accessible to military personnel. The road ahead holds even greater challenges, but the ultimate goal remains unchanged: to equip Ukrainians with knowledge and cutting-edge combat technologies, making our territory even more dangerous for the enemy.
We take pride in DRONARIUM’s contributions to strengthening Ukraine’s defense and its impact on the future of warfare!
For collaboration and training inquiries, contact them at:
info@dronarium.academy
Recently, the Kharkiv IT Cluster launched the Defence Community initiative to unite innovative companies that are developing military technologies, reshaping Ukraine’s technological landscape, and bringing victory closer.
We invite companies to join the Defence Community and help strengthen Ukraine’s technological potential 👇
