The world already understands: the future belongs to technology
Technological advantage is increasingly becoming the main factor in state security and competitiveness. The USA, Israel, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have been systematically integrating unmanned technologies into defense, education, logistics, and critical infrastructure management for years.
In early 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clearly outlined the priority:
"We must produce far more drones and produce them much faster".
– Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
And after familiarizing himself with Ukrainian experience, his assessment became even more significant:
"Ukraine is currently a world leader in drones and drone countermeasures. We can learn from Ukraine".
– Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General
According to international analysts' forecasts, by 2033, the global unmanned systems market will exceed $180 billion. TechRadar experts state that drones have transformed from an experimental technology into an important tool for industry and public safety.
Symbolically, Ukraine became the first country in the world to create a separate branch of the military – the Unmanned Systems Forces. Congratulating the military on the first Day of the Unmanned Systems Forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized:
"The Unmanned Systems Forces are a fundamental guarantor of Ukraine's security".
– President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
"Over four years, Ukraine has built a new defense industry".
– President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky
A sport created by war
A few years ago, FPV racing was entertainment for enthusiasts. Today, military-technological sports are officially included in the list of non-Olympic sports in Ukraine. This is state recognition of a direction that combines sports, education, engineering, and defense training.
On June 21, 2025, near the village of Shevchenkove in Bilohorod Community, the Kyiv Region Championship in Military-Technological Sports took place. This was not just a sporting event – the location featured an exhibition of 22 manufacturers of unmanned systems, radio-electronic warfare equipment, and ground-based robotic complexes.
"I see how the sport is developing. We had teams that dominated. Now new teams have appeared, new pilots who are already catching up".
– Artur Bulyhin, President of the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine
An FPV pilot assesses the situation in seconds, calculates the flight trajectory, makes a decision, and guides the drone through a complex course at high speed. This develops key qualities of a modern operator: concentration, reaction speed, discipline, and the ability to work under pressure.
"But this is sport, and everyone should develop. That's why teams and pilots who already have some level pull others up to their level".
– Artur Bulyhin, President of the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine
From sports clubs to FPV drones: how Bilohorod Community prepares youth for future challenges
In the sports hall, instead of a coach's whistle, you hear the buzzing of engines. Several teenagers carefully look into FPV system goggles. In a second, the drone shoots forward, passes through a ring, sharply turns and finishes on the track. A few years ago this would have seemed like fiction – today it's part of Ukraine's new reality.
"Military-technological sport is the sport of the future. It's a modern, powerful platform for gaining skills that are very important in our time. In time of war, in time of needed defense".
– Viacheslav Volovik, Head of Youth and Sports Department of Bilohorod Community
Championship participant Artur explains how far the Ukrainian manufacturing ecosystem has advanced:
"Today, if you want, you can assemble a drone entirely from Ukrainian components. There's even a special service that helps anyone interested assemble a drone".
– Artur, championship participant
Bilohorod Community: investment in the future
In Bilohorod Community, youth development has traditionally remained one of the priorities. Military-technological sports here is not viewed as a one-time event – it's seen as part of a long-term strategy.
"We can see how rapidly the world is changing. Today, technology determines a country's competitiveness. Our task is to create opportunities for children and young people to learn, develop, and realize themselves here in the community. FPV drones are not just about defense. It's about engineering, education, developing thinking, and professions of the future".
– Anton Ovsienko, Head of Bilohorod Community
Particularly telling is the assessment from the military themselves. A representative of the Sniper Training Center, callsign "Parkham", says directly:
"Without drones – nowhere. Intelligence is the main thing. Every unit needs small drone sections that work with sniper units".
– "Parkham", representative of the Sniper Training Center
At the exhibition during the championship, not only FPV drones were presented, but also ground-based robotic complexes, remote mining systems, and other technological solutions from over twenty Ukrainian manufacturers. Head of Bilohorod Community Anton Ovsienko emphasizes:
"Including here there is an exhibition of 22 manufacturers showing their equipment, their technology, which they are ready to provide for our victory".
– Anton Ovsienko, Head of Bilohorod Community
From Kyiv Region to Ukraine
The championship was held with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine, and the Social Drone UA project. The prize fund was provided by the Social Drone UA project: military winners received FPV drones worth almost 400,000 hryvnias.
Among the honored guests were Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vitaliy Lavrov, head of Kyiv RMA Mykola Kalashnik, president of the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine Artur Bulyhin, representatives of the SBU and military units.
"It's pleasant to see that there is support from the regional military administration and willingness to implement new measures together, reach local communities, introduce new sections, and do everything to increase the region's defense capability".
– Vitaliy Lavrov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine
"We expect an expansion of operators and their constantly improving skills. This is voluntary contracting in the Armed Forces or other military formations to continue confidently destroying enemies".
– Mykola Kalashnik, head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration
Once communities were proud of football teams and sports champions. Today, to this list are added drone operators – those who tomorrow will create Ukrainian technologies, develop the defense industry, and ensure the state's competitiveness.
"I want to remind you that we are all building this new sport together. Step by step, we have already held many competitions and have much more ahead".
– Artur Bulyhin, President of the Federation of Military-Technological Sports of Ukraine
And today, Bilohorod Community demonstrates that it is ready to be one of the leaders in this process. Because Ukraine's future is shaped where young people get the chance to learn to master technologies that are already changing the world today.
Video from the championship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsnjAQK_VvI
