In the Lviv region, the super final of “Wild Drones 2026” was held – one of the largest competitions in Ukraine for unmanned aerial vehicle operators from the Defence Forces. The strongest combat crews from various units took part, having already proven their skills in practice at the front.
During the super final, service personnel demonstrated their command of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles: FPV drones, Mavic reconnaissance systems and heavy Vampire bombers. The competition is designed to enable the best crews to share their experience and best practices with other units, as this directly affects the effectiveness of destroying enemy equipment and manpower, as well as holding positions and saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
To support the participants, the Lviv Regional State Administration allocated 6 million hryvnias in subventions for rewards to the champions and prize-winners of “Wild Drones”. A further 6 million hryvnias will be directed to the “Wild GRC” competition – a tournament for operators of ground robotic systems that carry out missions in the combat zone.
Ground robotic systems operating under remote control are capable of undertaking some of the most high-risk missions: delivering ammunition and other vital cargoes directly to positions, as well as evacuating the wounded from hazardous sections of the front. According to the organisers, investment in the development of such technologies makes it possible to increase the combat capabilities of units while simultaneously reducing risks for military personnel.
During the event, it was repeatedly emphasised that the competitors are service members who have already proved themselves on the front line, and that the solutions and techniques they refine will subsequently be rolled out in other units. In this way, such tournaments become a platform for sharing combat experience and introducing innovation in the military sphere.
The organisers and participants also highlighted the symbolic meaning behind the name of the community – “Wild Family”, which links the historical tradition of defending Ukrainian lands with today's warriors, who are continuing the fight using cutting-edge technologies.