In a muddy field on the outskirts of Kyiv, soldiers hunched over pocket controls talk to each other in muffled voices about where to direct the drone buzzing above them.
It takes a certain skill to successfully navigate a drone, explained Alexander, 45, head of the Dronarium training center — and it doesn’t come from traditional military training.
“For someone who plays PlayStation, it’s easier,” Alexander, who cannot give his full name for security reasons, told The Telegraph.
Each five-day course enrolls between 30 and 35 soldiers who are sent to the center by their military units. With 15 different types of drones available, soldiers fly the lightweight devices – which weigh no more than 250g (8.9oz) – between four and seven kilometers while role-playing scenarios they are likely to encounter on the battlefield.
Drones include the DJI Mavic Mini, Mavic Air and Mavic Pro. Although not the latest models, the devices can cost up to £1,700.
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