Air Defence UAV Operator (interceptor drones)
Requirements
- Physical endurance, good eyesight, attentiveness
- Digital literacy and spatial thinking
- Ability to work with computer applications and electronic devices
- High concentration combined with the ability to react quickly to a changing situation
- Responsibility, attentiveness and readiness for dynamic work
- Readiness to master new technologies, keep learning and improve your skills
- Knowledge of topography will be an advantage
- Knowledge of the basic principles of radio/telecommunications equipment will be an advantage
- Understanding of the basics of UAV engineering will be an advantage
- Knowledge of the specifics of engaging air targets will be an advantage
Responsibilities
- Pre-flight preparation of drones: checking control systems, video link, batteries, warhead
- Testing and trialling new equipment
- Flying anti-aircraft UAVs to intercept and destroy enemy UAVs (strike or reconnaissance)
- Conducting aerial reconnaissance in the sector of responsibility and detecting enemy UAVs
- Conducting visual observation, gathering important information and passing it to the command centre
- Working jointly with radar and visual observation crews, EW teams and observers
- Analysing completed operations and preparing reports on the results
- Taking part in planning subsequent operations
Terms
- Mobilisation until the end of martial law, or contract service
- Basic and specialist training as required
- Pay: base pay of UAH 21,000 + an additional bonus of up to UAH 100,000 for carrying out tasks in the combat zone — up to UAH 121,000 per month in total, depending on the duration and area of the tasks
- Full social package
- Full provision of protective equipment and military property
- Opportunity to obtain combatant status (UBD)
Vacancy: Air Defence UAV Operator (interceptor drones)
An enemy reconnaissance drone over the positions means one thing: within minutes, something will strike there. Shooting it down means cancelling that strike before it happens.
The Air Defence UAV Operator works against air targets. The operator launches an interceptor drone to meet the enemy one and guides it to contact.
This is a young field that grew out of necessity: classic air defence cannot spend an expensive missile on every cheap drone. Drone against drone is the answer found in this war.
Who can become an Air Defence UAV Operator
You do not need flying experience, but you will have to fly fast — this is interception, not observation.
What really matters:
- Quick reactions. The target is moving, and the interception window is short
- Hand-eye coordination close to that needed for FPV
- Composure on duty: most of the time nothing happens, and then it all comes down to seconds
- Ability to work from data provided by neighbouring units — a crew does not operate on its own
- Medical fitness — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
How the Air Defence UAV Operator differs from the UAV Operator: this role works against air targets and shoots down enemy drones. The other conducts ground reconnaissance and adjusts fire.
What an Air Defence UAV Operator does in the 141st SMB
In addition to what is described in the requirements above:
- Standing by on duty: the drone and equipment must be ready at all times, not "in half an hour"
- Working on alert — launching to meet a detected target
- The interception itself: closing in, guiding to contact, confirming the result
- Preparing and maintaining drones between sorties
- Reviewing every sortie — both successful and unsuccessful. The field is young, and experience is constantly being built up
How you will be trained
The path is the same for everyone: 51 days of basic military training, then the brigade adaptation course — 14–15 days with instructors who have combat experience.
Then comes specialist interception training. Flight hours are built up in training: interception is a skill developed through repetition, and it is developed before your first combat sortie, not after it.
Tactical medicine is drilled until it becomes automatic. Our instructors' principle is short: the priority is to survive.
What you will be provided with
You will be fully kitted out: gear, protective equipment and the equipment you need for the job.
You will not be on your own. Interception is crew work: the operator, the neighbouring units that provide target data, and the technicians who keep the drones ready.
What the terms include:
- Pay: base pay of UAH 21,000 + an additional bonus of up to UAH 100,000 for carrying out tasks in the combat zone — up to UAH 121,000 per month in total, depending on the duration and area of the tasks
- Full provision of gear, protective equipment and military property
- The social package provided for service members
- Opportunity to obtain combatant status (UBD)
Where you can grow
- Senior operator, interception crew commander
- Instructor — the field is growing, and new people constantly need training
- Related drone specialties
- Taking part in developing new tactics: a lot is still being done for the first time here
In the 141st, competence and results count — not length of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Logic and process: we answer the key questions about enlistment, training and status.
Apply for this positionHow is interception different from a normal flight?
+The target is moving in the air, and there is little time to get it. This is work based on quick reactions, closer to FPV than to observation.
Do I need experience with drones?
+It is not mandatory. FPV or simulator experience will help you get results faster, but training starts from scratch.
What gets shot down most often?
+Enemy reconnaissance drones and strike drones. We do not publicly disclose details of target types or tactics.
I have no military experience. Can I still join you?
+Yes. Most of our best specialists were civilians yesterday. What matters to us is your motivation. We’ll match a role to your skills: if you understand machinery — you’ll go to the mechanics; if you know electronics — to UAVs or communications. Everything military — we’ll teach you.
How long does training take before deployment to the unit?
+Every recruit completes Basic General Military Training (BGMT) at a training center. After that — additional specialized training depending on the chosen role. We send only the prepared to the line of contact — that is our core principle.
What happens after I fill out the form?
+Your application goes to the recruiting center. Within 24 hours our specialist will call — it’s not an interrogation, just an introduction and answers to your questions. If we’re a match, the brigade issues an official request and our liaison helps you get through the TRC and MMB as fast as possible.
Can I transfer to the 141st SMB from another unit?
+Yes, we consider transfers — including via the Army+ app. Fill out the form and select the status “Active service member” — a recruiter will advise on your real chances and the steps involved.
I am AWOL (SZCh). Can I join?
+The law allows a return to service. If you’re motivated to fight in a sound team — fill out the form and state your status honestly. Our specialists will advise you individually on legal ways to return. Confidentially.
Do you provide uniform and equipment?
+Yes. The brigade fully provides basic kit, body armor, helmets and weapons. Plus — thanks to a strong volunteer network, we have additional technological support: drones, EW, transport.
Similar positions
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Tell us which role you wantWhat happens after you apply
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01
A call within 24 hours
Your application goes to the recruiting centre and a specialist calls within a day. It is not an interrogation — just an introduction and answers to your questions.
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02
Interview and choosing a role
Together we look at what you can do and where it is most useful. If we are a match, the brigade issues an official request for your transfer.
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03
Enlistment office and medical board — with support
Our liaison helps you get through the enlistment office and the military medical board as fast as possible. You do not navigate the queues alone.
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04
Training first, then the unit
Basic general military training takes 51 days, followed by the brigade’s 14–15 day adaptation course with instructors who have combat experience. We send only prepared soldiers to the front line.