Ukraine is introducing a universal ground control station for fiber-optic drones for the first time. The solution is intended to replace multiple separate control systems and simplify operators’ work on the front line, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.
Fedorov explained that “dozens of different solutions from various manufacturers are operating simultaneously on the front line.” As a result, operators are forced to carry 3–5 different systems, which creates additional workload and reduces time available for mission execution.
Creating a unified control standard to reduce fragmentation in UAV systems
To address this issue, the Ministry of Defense, together with manufacturers, has been developing a unified standard for several months. UAV efficiency advisor Serhii Sternenko also joined the process.
Technical requirements for analog ground control stations, still the most widely used in the military, have now been defined. A prototype close to a production-ready model has been developed and will be delivered to units this week for combat testing.
Scaling digital systems as the next stage of UAV standardization
After testing analog solutions, the next step will be to develop digital control systems and scale the unified model across the entire frontline.
Fedorov emphasized that the goal is to create a single ground control station that replaces multiple systems and reduces operational complexity for units. According to him, this is part of a broader transformation in how warfare is conducted through unmanned technologies.
Earlier, Ukraine selected the first banks that would implement a preferential leasing program for defense industry enterprises.
