The Drone Pilots
Ptashnyky
Author: Dmytro Kalynchuk
Illustrations: —
For readers: Adults
Language: Ukrainian
Publisher: Bilka
Year of publication: 2025
Edition type: Hardcover
Number of pages: 336
Dimensions: 145 × 215 mm
Weight: 290 g
ISBN: 978‑617‑7792‑52‑8
Description:
“The Drone Pilots is the first novel in Ukraine about UAV pilots written by a UAV pilot.
Drones are flights, sky, and romance – that’s how ordinary people imagine the work of UAV operators. The reality is fundamentally different.
Pugach is a former serviceman and external UAV operator. He flies drones of various types, although he is not officially a pilot, as he has no document confirming his qualification. With the full‑scale invasion, Pugach returns to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to operate UAVs, and he must find drones for his work on his own.
The state cannot fully supply the entire army, especially at the beginning of the invasion. Mostly drones are obtained by volunteers. This is not uncommon in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Volunteers and drone manufacturers help Pugach. He goes to the front – flying, finding enemy targets, adjusting artillery fire, and enduring endless complaints from commanders.
Unexpectedly, another problem arises: Pugach’s wife has gone abroad and begins urging him to quit everything and join her. But Pugach is at war. Beside him are other external operators who also fly, hide from shelling, and lose equipment. They all have many problems, but time after time they go on missions.” Bilka
