Arkan School for Interceptor UAV Operators
The Arkan School is a training center for drone-based air defense specialists. Upon successful completion of the training, cadets are assigned the corresponding Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The school trains:
- Operators of multi-rotor UAV interceptors (MOS 219).
- Operators of fixed-wing UAV interceptors (MOS 219).
- Radar operators (MOS 502).
Background to the School’s Establishment
Russia continues to deploy reconnaissance and strike drones on a massive scale across Ukraine. Interceptor drones are the most accessible and, at the same time, efficient means of countering such attacks. But even the most advanced technology is useless without trained personnel. The key to effectiveness is having a sufficient number of trained crews who can act quickly and in unison. Therefore, the Arkan School trains fully-fledged teams rather than individual operators.
Training Features
The duration of training depends on the course and ranges from 20 to 40 days. With a capacity to train up to 90 cadets per month, the curriculum focuses on two key areas: target detection and interception.
Training at Arkan includes:
- The centralized and systematic training of UAV and radar operators.
- The formation of fully-fledged crews with a clear division of roles.
- The integration of combat operations into the training process under the guidance of experienced instructors.
School Development
The Come Back Alive Foundation began collaborating with the Arkan School in the summer of 2025.
Since then, over UAH 11 million in aid has been provided to the military unit, which has been used to fund the following:
- Training classrooms and an instructor’s room.
- Drone training complexes.
- Simulators.
- Ground stations and other equipment for a safe and effective training process.
The Arkan School is, above all, an investment in human capital. The experience of the units that are already defending our skies today must be systematized and scaled up. In this context, personnel training becomes a central pillar of effective air defense and national security.
