Ukrainian drone pilots require large volumes of straightforward drones free from unnecessary extras, according to a soldier with direct experience who advised Western partners to avoid over-engineering systems ahead of future conflicts involving unmanned aircraft.

The conflict with Russia has become a prolonged battle of resources that rapidly depletes equipment, forcing both sides to rely on low-cost tools available in quantity while rapid shifts in technology demand gear that crews can revise quickly to stay effective.

Dmytro Zhluktenko, a former drone pilot now serving as an analyst with Ukraine's 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment, explained to Business Insider that the priority is equipment that performs reliably without added functions that serve no purpose.

He noted that Western defense firms frequently miss this point, especially with first-person-view strike drones where simplicity is essential for immediate use.

Ukraine has yet to identify Western producers capable of delivering hundreds of thousands of basic FPV drones that function without added autonomy, advanced navigation, or similar extras, he said, stressing the need for platforms ready for direct combat deployment.

Basic drones allow troops greater adaptability

Simpler designs appeal because they let Ukrainian crews adjust them directly in the field.

Units near the front line regularly alter weapons to match changing conditions, and some maintain their own development facilities to support these changes.

Operators often seek drones and other systems as plain platforms that can be reconfigured or enhanced for varied tasks, similar to ground robots built like modular kits.

Ukrainian and partner firms recognize these modifications, collaborate with unit technicians to refine designs, and are frequently surprised by the adaptations soldiers create. Many companies now build products with modular elements to support both official upgrades and field-level changes.

Zhluktenko said operators want items they can adjust by swapping parts as needed, describing this as a standard process built around a solid core platform.

He called it surprising that Western industry, despite its scale, has not delivered simple yet capable systems in volume.

Many Western firms remain focused on low-volume production with features that hold little value in Ukraine's current fighting, he added.

Arguments for affordable drones at higher volumes

Zhluktenko's views align with statements from officials in Ukraine and the West that the war has exposed the drawbacks of depending on limited numbers of advanced, costly weapons.

Large-scale modern combat, as seen in Ukraine, often calls for far greater quantities of lower-cost, less sophisticated systems.

Ukraine continues to develop and acquire sophisticated drone technology with features such as autonomy for tasks like countering enemy drones or conducting strikes through jamming, yet balance remains key.

Simpler drones stay vital and are required in much larger numbers, with Ukrainian firms such as SkyFall and General Cherry scaling production of these models, he said.

A representative from Ukrainian firm TechEx noted that Western makers often face stricter peacetime rules that lead to extra software and hardware layers instead of delivering a basic, ready system.

This approach can complicate use and slow manufacturing, making it harder to match the output volumes achieved by some Ukrainian producers.

The difference reflects wartime versus peacetime priorities, she said, adding that Western companies might adjust processes if required to move faster and at greater scale.

Western leaders have stated that the war demonstrates the need for much higher volumes of inexpensive arms, with Danish defense minister Troels Lund Poulsen noting that one lesson from Ukraine is the requirement for greater quantities of affordable weaponry.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized that speed matters more than perfection.

Drones play a central role in Ukraine's operations and are credited with causing up to 95 percent of Russian losses along the front. Effective use often means launching them in large numbers, accepting that many will not reach targets, which makes low cost and reliability essential.

Zhluktenko said the approach to drones should focus on spending thousands of dollars rather than hundreds of thousands.