Ukrainian Students Compete in Combat Drone Race in Kyiv, Winner Completes Flight in 36 Seconds
Ukrainian Students Compete in Drone Racing Event
The Kyiv Drone Racing final took place at the National Aviation University Kyiv Aviation Institute, featuring over 30 teams and approximately 100 participants. The event showcased drones developed by a prominent Ukrainian defense technology company, as reported by The Defender.
Competition Results
The host team, KAI DRC-1, secured first place with a time of 36.41 seconds, navigating through more than 10 obstacles. The second position was claimed by PROFPV from Kyiv Polytechnic Lyceum, finishing in 41.06 seconds, while KAI DRC-4, also from the Kyiv Aviation Institute, took third place with a time of 43.96 seconds.
The SHRIKE FPV Drone
All teams utilized the SHRIKE FPV drone, manufactured by SkyFall. This drone is recognized not as a sport model but as a high-speed first-person view (FPV) strike platform, widely used in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. SkyFall describes the SHRIKE as combining maneuverability and precision, equipped with computer vision capabilities for targeting both ground and aerial threats.
Judging and Regulations
The technical regulations for the race were established by instructors from SkyFall Academy, which is certified by Ukraine‘s Ministry of Defense. The academy has trained over 20,000 military drone pilots and technicians. Among the judges was an FPV pilot known by the callsign “Justin,” representing the SBS RAROG brigade, an active military unit.
Future Training Opportunities
The winning teams received certificates for an advanced training course on the P1-SUN FPV interceptor at SkyFall Academy. This drone is designed to intercept loitering munitions. Additionally, every competing team was awarded a SHRIKE drone for further training at their respective institutions.
SkyFall’s Role in Defense Technology
SkyFall is one of Ukraine’s leading defense drone manufacturers, known for its VAMPIRE hexacopter, which has been deployed in numerous frontline missions. The company is also working on a fully domestically produced version of the VAMPIRE, expected to enter mass production by the end of 2026.
Educational Initiatives
According to Kseniia Semenova, rector of the Kyiv Aviation Institute, the tournament is part of a broader strategy to engage students with defense technology from their first year of study. The university is also developing a joint radio frequency technology lab with SkyFall, where students will gain hands-on experience in signal behavior and project development.
Conclusion
The tournament was organized by the Kyiv Aviation Institute, SkyFall, and LAB418, with support from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science. This event not only serves as a competition but also as a means to identify and cultivate talent for Ukraine’s defense industry, which is crucial in the context of ongoing military needs.