The Ukrainian Armed Forces have officially launched recruitment for a new drone unit known as the “Harpies,” which is notably composed mainly of women. This innovative group falls under the umbrella of the Unmanned Systems Forces and is aimed at establishing a unique environment where female operatives can engage in combat and support their country using unmanned and robotic technologies.
According to the unit’s mission statement, the Harpies offer a platform for women who feel a strong motivation to seek revenge against adversaries while safeguarding their families and homeland. While the unit is primarily female, men can still participate in various capacities, although only women are allowed to carry out the critical final strike operations.
The recruitment drive is open to women currently serving in other military units as well as reservists who wish to join the ranks of the Harpies. The training program for recruits is rigorous, consisting of a 45-day general training segment followed by over 30 days of specialized training. This comprehensive preparation includes team coordination exercises to ensure that the recruits are combat-ready.
Recruits will be trained to operate an array of advanced technologies, including first-person view (FPV) drones, heavy bomber drones, strike drones, and ground robotic systems. In addition to military training, members of the Harpies will benefit from a competitive salary and social guarantees in accordance with current legislation.
Leading the Harpies is Daria, who goes by the call sign “DShK.” Daria has an impressive background as an active participant in the Maidan Revolution of February 2014 and has been serving in the Ukrainian special forces since 2022. Her leadership is expected to inspire and guide this new generation of female drone pilots.
This recruitment initiative aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy to enhance its drone warfare capabilities. Earlier in June 2024, the country established the world’s first military branch exclusively dedicated to unmanned systems. This bold move underscores Ukraine’s commitment to increasing its domestic drone production and procurement, with ambitious plans to acquire approximately 4.5 million FPV drones within the year. These drones are intended to be deployed against Russian forces, contributing to Ukraine’s evolving military tactics.
In addition to expanding its drone fleet, Ukraine recently introduced a strategy to effectively integrate high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles into frontline operations. This includes successfully testing a domestically developed drone capable of striking targets located as far away as 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), demonstrating the country’s significant advancements in drone technology.
