Heavy Strike Bomber Drone Navigator
Requirements
- Age 18 and over
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Stress resilience, attention to detail
- Ability to make decisions quickly and take responsibility
- Experience flying drones or using simulators is an advantage
- Desire to develop in the field of unmanned systems
Responsibilities
- Planning the flight route taking into account the task, weather and terrain
- Monitoring flight parameters and adjusting tasks during the mission
- Ensuring that ground equipment is serviceable and ready
- Carrying out pre-flight preparation in line with procedures
- Keeping records and technical documentation on UAV use
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: Heavy Strike Bomber Drone Navigator
While the pilot keeps the aircraft in the air, the navigator carries out the task itself: brings the aircraft to the point, works with the payload and confirms the result.
This is the second person in a heavy bomber crew — and it is on them that it depends whether the sortie made sense. The aircraft may fly flawlessly, but if the work on the target is inaccurate, the night's flying was for nothing.
A position for those who can keep a cool head in the brief moment when everything depends on a few seconds and a few metres.
Who can become a Heavy Bomber Navigator
You do not need flying experience. Much of the work is navigation, calculation and attentiveness, not piloting.
What really matters:
- Ability to read a map and terrain, including at night, when there are fewer landmarks
- Precision in calculations: wind, altitude, payload weight — everything affects the result
- Attention to detail on screen: confirming that it is exactly the right target
- Working in a pair. The navigator and the pilot must understand each other with half a word
- Medical fitness — determined by the military medical board (VLK)
How a navigator differs from a pilot: the pilot is responsible for the aircraft and the flight, the navigator for reaching the target, working with the payload and checking the result.
What a Heavy Bomber Navigator does in the 141st SMB
In addition to what is described in the requirements above:
- Preparing the task before the sortie: point, route, landmarks, sequence of actions
- Preparing the payload together with the technical team and checking the release mechanism
- In-flight navigation and reaching the point under communications interference
- Working on the target and recording the result — the debrief starts from it
- Post-flight debrief together with the pilot: what to adjust next time
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.
After that — specialist training within the crew. The navigator trains together with the pilot they will fly with: crew coordination is built on the ground and on training sorties, not in combat.
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. Literally: the navigator always works in a crew, and the crew works alongside the technical team and reconnaissance, which provides the target data.
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
- Heavy aircraft pilot — the natural next step
- Crew commander
- Instructor training navigators
- Task planning for heavy unmanned systems
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 positionIs the navigator the pilot's assistant?
+No. It is the second, equal role in the crew: the pilot is responsible for the aircraft, the navigator for carrying out the task.
Do I need experience with drones?
+Not necessarily. Navigation, calculation and attentiveness matter more here than flying hours.
Can I become a pilot later?
+Yes, it is a normal path within the branch — after flying hours in a crew and specialist training.
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
Didn’t find your role?
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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.