Ukraine’s ‘Army of Drones’ Initiative Turns Battlefield Data into Strategic Advantage

Every day, vast volumes of battlefield imagery are transmitted from Ukraine’s contested front lines—detailed footage capturing engagements with Russian forces, including the destruction of personnel and equipment. These visuals, meticulously logged and analysed, now form the backbone of a sophisticated new strategy aimed at maximizing operational efficiency against a technologically superior adversary.

At the heart of this approach is a program known as “Army of Drones: Bonus”, or “e-points”—an incentive-based initiative launched in 2023. Designed to reward combat units for verified enemy losses, the system converts successful strikes into digital points, which can then be exchanged for critical military resources, equipment, or support.

Under the scheme, points are allocated based on the strategic value of the target. According to Brave 1—a government-backed innovation platform integrating military and civilian expertise—destroying a Russian multiple rocket launcher earns up to 50 points, a tank 40 points, and damaging a tank yields 20 points.

This data-driven system reflects what many describe as the gamification of modern warfare—an effort to enhance motivation, accountability, and precision on the battlefield.

All combat footage submitted through the platform undergoes rigorous review at a central analysis hub in Kyiv. Each submission is evaluated according to an evolving set of military priorities, ensuring alignment with Ukraine’s broader strategic objectives.

“It’s not about points for their own sake,” explains Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation and the architect behind the e-points framework. “It’s about collecting reliable battlefield data, applying the principles of military analytics, and optimising the use of limited resources to achieve maximum tactical impact.”

As Ukraine continues to adapt its defence strategy under sustained pressure, the e-points system highlights a broader shift towards integrating digital innovation with traditional military operations—marking a new era in asymmetric warfare.