Military personnel to be trained to control interceptor drones from hundreds of kilometres away

Implementation of remote control technology

The training centre of the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, together with the Ukrainian MilTech company Wild Hornets, has presented an update to the course for Sting interceptor drone operators. The key innovation was the inclusion of the Hornet Vision Ctrl module in the programme. This system, developed by Wild Hornets engineers, ensures stable communication, high-quality video transmission and minimal signal latency, which is critical for controlling high-speed unmanned aerial vehicles.

The main advantage of the technology is the ability to control drones from a distance of hundreds of kilometres. This allows pilots to be kept away from zones of direct threat while maintaining the effectiveness of combat mission execution, particularly the interception of enemy aerial targets. According to the developers, Hornet Vision Ctrl became the first UAV remote control system to undergo codification in accordance with NATO standards and receive official approval for use by the Defence Forces of Ukraine.

Application at the front and feedback

Wild Hornets emphasise that the technology is already being used by units on the most tense sections of the front, specifically for intercepting jet-powered Shaheds. As noted by the company, three of the four leading units in terms of the number of Shaheds shot down are operating with Hornet Vision Ctrl.

«Ми виробляємо дрони, щоб зберігати життя. Віддалене керування дозволяє операторам перехоплювачів працювати у відносній безпеці та знищувати ворожі цілі ще ефективніше. Ми вже бачимо це на практиці: зараз три із чотирьох топових підрозділів за кількістю збитих "шахедів" використовують Hornet Vision Ctrl. Важливо масштабувати цей досвід, і ми щиро вдячні Фонду Сергія Притули, який допомагає у цьому» (We manufacture drones to save lives. Remote control allows interceptor operators to work in relative safety and destroy enemy targets even more effectively. We are already seeing this in practice: currently, three of the top four units in terms of the number of Shaheds shot down are using Hornet Vision Ctrl. It is important to scale this experience, and we are sincerely grateful to the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, which is helping with this), – Wild Hornets reported.

Training statistics and the foundation leadership's position

The joint training programme launched in March 2026 following the signing of a memorandum between the partners. Since then, 300 military personnel have completed the course, returning to their units as qualified pilot-operators and technicians. The addition of practical sessions on Hornet Vision Ctrl will allow military personnel to master a tool that is already being applied in combat conditions.

Andrii Shuvalov, the General Director of the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, explained that the programme update is based on the direct experience of military units.

«Ми постійно працюємо з підрозділами, щоб розуміти їхні потреби та враховувати досвід застосування технологій на полі бою. На основі цього зворотного зв’язку взаємодіємо з виробниками, щоб нові рішення швидше доходили до війська. Але важливо не лише забезпечити військових цими технологіями, а й навчити їх результативно застосовувати» (We constantly work with units to understand their needs and take into account the experience of applying technologies on the battlefield. Based on this feedback, we interact with manufacturers so that new solutions reach the military faster. But it is important not only to provide the military with these technologies but also to teach them how to apply them effectively), – Shuvalov emphasised.

The foundation head underlined that the integration of new technologies into the training process is an example of how military training must change alongside technological development: «Навчання має розвиватися разом із технологіями, а не наздоганяти їх» (Training must develop alongside technologies, not chase after them).

About the training centre and partners

The training centre of the Serhiy Prytula Foundation has been operating since 2025. Its goal is to prepare military personnel for working with unmanned systems. The programme combines theory (aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology, radio communication) with practical training. Briefings are conducted by military personnel with combat experience.

The Serhiy Prytula Foundation has been active since 2020. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the organisation has raised over UAH 14 billion to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, directing funds towards the purchase of UAVs, air defence systems, armoured vehicles, communications and medical equipment.

The company Wild Hornets, founded in 2023, specialises in the development of unmanned systems for the Ukrainian military. The product range includes FPV drones, strike and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as Sting interceptors designed to counter enemy UAVs.

The course update is aimed at accelerating the implementation of remote control technologies in units for the protection of Ukraine's airspace. Previously, in March 2026, the partners announced the launch of a five-day course with a plan to train at least 300 military personnel in six months. In September 2026, the foundation also reported on the purchase of new interceptor drones capable of countering fast Russian drones.