The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Within the framework of the “Dronopad” project by the “Come Back Alive” Army Aid Foundation, 50,000 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles are planned to be destroyed
More than 100 military units of Ukraine’s Defence Forces have already joined the initiative, having destroyed over 17,000 reconnaissance and strike UAVs.
This was reported in a comment to ArmyInform by Foundation consultant and “Dronopad” project coordinator Taras Tymochko.
“When we launched the project in 2024, our goal was 1,000 downings. Today, more than 100 military units have joined the initiative, and together they have destroyed more than 17,000 reconnaissance and strike UAVs. Thus, the new goal sounds ambitious — but it is entirely realistic”, — said Taras Tymochko.
The Foundation emphasized that the figure of 50,000 downed Russian drones per year is based on the dynamics of air attacks and a “clearly established interception system”.
“In this project, the economics of war is simple: an air-defense missile costs millions, while an anti-air FPV drone is many times cheaper. According to our calculations, every invested hryvnia inflicts 20 hryvnias of direct losses on the enemy. That is exactly what we seek: maximum efficiency at minimal cost”, — the coordinator of “Dronopad”, Taras Tymochko, noted.
The Foundation reminds that initially “Dronopad” focused on downing reconnaissance UAVs. Later, the units transitioned to the systematic interception of strike drones, including Shahed-type drones and their modifications.
The most intensive phase occurred in autumn 2025, when crews could destroy dozens of aerial targets in a single night.
“Dronopad is not only about the drones themselves. The project has built a full-fledged FPV-interception system that enables military personnel to operate quickly, flexibly, and at scale. Its foundation consists of FPV interceptors — upgraded high-speed drones adapted for destroying enemy UAVs in the air. They are significantly cheaper than missile-based air-defense systems and help preserve expensive missiles for countering ballistic and cruise strikes”, — the Foundation “Come Back Alive” emphasized.
It is noted that in addition to the interceptors themselves, units receive vehicles, communication equipment, optics, power sources, and undergo training.
“FPV interception is complex technological work that requires preparation, coordination, and constant technical support. The losses inflicted on Russia through Dronopad’s FPV interceptions amount to billions of hryvnias and far exceed the costs of the project itself. In 2026, 50,000 downed drones is not a hypothesis but a clearly defined goal backed by comprehensive and systematic work by military crews, instructors, engineers, volunteers, and donors”, the Foundation concluded.
