Security Protocols for Drone Training Facilities
In Ukraine, institutions preparing drone operators for combat against Russian forces face significant security challenges. Representatives from multiple training centers have confirmed they are considered high-value targets and must implement comprehensive protective measures.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, Russia has conducted extensive aerial assaults against various Ukrainian facilities, including training locations and industrial sites. These attacks occur across the country, demonstrating that no region remains entirely secure from potential strikes.
Operational Security Measures
Dronarium, a training organization with operations in Kyiv and Lviv, maintains rigorous safety procedures. Tetyana, a veteran using the call sign "Ruda" who leads research and development at the school, explained that "the entirety of Ukraine is not safe, missile-wise, drone-wise."
Dmytro Slediuk, overseeing education at Dronarium, detailed their approach: "We avoid disclosing precise training center locations and periodically change sites to prevent Russian interference with our operations." The institution restricts photography and video recording that might reveal facility details.
Russian military bloggers have identified Dronarium as part of Ukraine's drone training network. Tetyana noted that Russian media have covered the school since 2022, stating: "As long as they write and talk about us, it means that they are afraid of us." This attention necessitates heightened vigilance.
The school enforces strict cybersecurity protocols and safety regulations. "When the air raid siren is on, all training activities, all the work, everything gets suspended, and we deconcentrate and get into safe shelters," Tetyana emphasized.
Additional Training Center Approaches
Vitalii Pervak, leading another training institution called Karlsson, Karas & Associates, highlighted the constant threat: "The Russians are constantly hunting for places where military personnel gather."
Ukrainian authorities have verified Russian strikes on military training sites, resulting in casualties. While air defense systems offer some protection, Ukraine has experienced equipment shortages throughout the conflict.
KK&A implements thorough screening processes, requiring polygraph examinations for all personnel, including support staff. They withhold information about training center locations and avoid sharing details about instructors or trainees.
Pervak explained the necessity: "Some of our employees may have relatives or acquaintances in occupied territories who could be tortured by Russians for indirect contact with someone who opposes Russia. This secrecy also protects the instructors and cadets themselves, as well as their relatives, from attacks by Russian agents."
He acknowledged that security requirements limit public visibility: "While the added security hinders publicity to some extent — good things should be spoken about loudly — war dictates its own conditions. We are well aware that failing to observe the principles of secrecy may result in the death of staff or cadets."
Viktor Taran, heading the Kruk Drones UAV training center, confirmed the persistent danger: "Russia is interested in destroying us." He added, "Thanks to God and air defence, we're still operating."
