Ukraine drone enthusiasts sign up to repel Russia, amid concerns over models made by China’s DJI
- Hobbyists are donating their consumer devices or risking their lives as volunteer pilots for reconnaissance missions
- Some, however, are worried about what the Chinese drone maker may do with their location data
In better times, Ukrainian drone enthusiasts flew their gadgets into the sky to photograph weddings, fertilise soybean fields or race other drones for fun. Now some are risking their lives by forming a volunteer drone force to help their country repel the Russian invasion.
“Kyiv needs you and your drone at this moment of fury!” read a Facebook post late last week from the Ukrainian military, calling for citizens to donate hobby drones and to volunteer as experienced pilots to operate them.
One entrepreneur who runs a retail store selling consumer drones in the capital said its entire stock of some 300 drones made by Chinese company DJI has been dispersed for the cause. Others are working to get more drones across the border from friends and colleagues in Poland and elsewhere in Europe.
“Why are we doing this? We have no other choice. This is our land, our home,” said Denys Sushko, head of operations at Kyiv-based industrial drone technology company DroneUA, which before the war was helping to provide drone services to farmers and energy companies.
Sushko fled his home late last week after his family had to take cover from a nearby explosion. He spoke to Associated Press by phone and text message Friday after climbing up a tree for better reception.
“We try to use absolutely everything that can help protect our country and drones are a great tool for getting real-time data,” said Sushko, who does not have a drone with him but is providing expertise. “Now in Ukraine no one remains indifferent. Everyone does what they can.”