Modular FPV: development and unit requests | Online Demo Day Brave1

Катерина Супрун

I am Kateryna Suprun, Mr. Ballistics, Mr. Denys, and you see Mr. Photon on the screen with us. This is an experimental format, this is an online Day Braivan demo. We have gathered to talk about the main theme of the demo day, which is Fiji for FPV drones.

Катерина Супрун

We will be talking about how this direction is developing and what FPV drones need now, which updates, upgrades and new ways of use. Now, in turn: Mr. Denys, head of the FPV-A Breyvan direction, Mr. Ballistics, deputy commander of the Nemesis brigade, and Mr. Photon, head of the Ministry of Defense's unmanned systems procurement center.

Speaker 2

Competencies.

Катерина Супрун

Competencies, what did I say?

Speaker 2

Configurations.

Катерина Супрун

Configurations, well

Speaker 2

configurations would also be good,

Speaker 1

A direction is also needed now. Thank you.

Катерина Супрун

Mr. Photon, you are with us on Zoom, so you have priority, as always. Tell us your general vision of how the FPV sector should be developed now, because on one hand, it could be said that it is a routine, the main workhorse, the main working tool for the military, the primary means of strike, but it would seem, what other features are needed for FPV drones? Tell us what you think about this?

Фотон

Greetings everyone. I apologize, I don't have much time, so I will be as brief as possible about the initiatives in the center of competence. Indeed, our main task now is the accumulation of fast, high-quality feedback on what exactly is needed on the battlefield. The challenges that stand,

Фотон

have the same pattern, that the speed of adaptation cycles, frequency changes, and modularity are increasingly necessary. We have started working on the unification of the ground equipment for fiber-optic drones, and currently, the technical requirements for procurement for tenders are already being finalized, based on new requirements and processed current feedback on what the military needs right now, with a perspective of six months ahead. We now want to develop a similar vision for other types of UAVs, and the key is radio FPV. Now you will be talking specifically about modular drones. We started working with this idea in our brigade almost two years ago because everyone had the same problems and they still persist now. What is to be done with drones when the frequencies on them become obsolete? And how quickly can these drones be adapted? And huge resources must be poured into workshops for this adaptation and reworking. And thousands or tens of thousands of drones currently remain in units unable to perform combat missions because the battlefield has changed, the conditions have changed. Accordingly, this solution has many risks, components, connections, and so on, which can be risky. Accordingly, we have taken this idea to various units and provided technical assignments and requirements to various manufacturers for two years. And now, I think we can see how qualitatively this can change the use of drones on the battlefield. Well, basically, that's everything I wanted to say; the most important thing is that with the Bravana team, the Ministry of Defense, and now with the new leadership of the General Staff, we will systematically implement these functions of constant adaptation and solutions on a permanent basis. I hope that military units will eventually receive what works more quickly. And we will similarly accelerate the adaptation cycles to new conditions.

Катерина Супрун

And could I ask one more short question, if there are literally a couple of minutes, regarding the role of workshops in this UAV process? Because you mentioned that many solutions are born in workshops, but obviously, these are very different solutions depending on the direction, depending on the unit's work, and so on. But still, in order to expand the application, many processes need to be unified. How is this communication handled?

Фотон

Now it is being worked out at the level of horizontal links, exclusively communication via Brave, their communication, then via the General Staff. Now we prepare all questionnaires in Nextcloud and in Delt. QR codes are inserted into BRCs so that units can complete the survey quickly and we accumulate real feedback specifically from those who understand what it is for. Most crucially, our main project is the legalization of workshops. That is, workshops and R&D of all units, in my opinion, is the most necessary thing, that which must operate legally. And it is these people who are helping us accelerate the technological leap. Because all the innovations that have arisen over all the years we have been fighting were born specifically in these workshops.

Фотон

these people and those rendy-geni should directly influence what the state procures. And we definitely want to legalize this process now, to create this policy at the ministerial level.

Катерина Супрун

Then, Mr. Viktor, we'll let you go. Thank you for joining us and for finding the time. We look forward to seeing you in Kyiv, in the studio, at panel discussions, here, wherever possible, to speak and distribute the necessary items for UAV units and so that the military receives higher-quality equipment. Thank you.

Фотон

Thank you very much.

Фотон

Thank you. We are just now establishing such connections. I am currently traveling to Kramatorsk. That's all, friends, thank you.

Катерина Супрун

Very cool. Mr. Viktor set the tone of the conversation regarding what is needed and what is being done for this. So, what's on the table? Let's start with that.

Speaker 2

Yes, let's start with that. But still, a small step back, as it stands now. In parallel, an online demo day is taking place. Adapting to all the current threats facing us is key. This means continuing activities regardless of everything, and accordingly adapting, adapting. Now, manufacturers in an online format are talking about their developments in sections. These are precisely FPV drones. One of the key FPV drones, and generally a story that can revolutionize FPV, is modularity. That is why Mr. Viktor was with us, despite all his merits. Faton, his last position was deputy commander of the "Achilles" brigade. And, as he said, he had long ago set a technical specification for the creation of a modular FPV drone. I would like to stop here and briefly talk about this concept. As of now, three manufacturers are known to us.

Speaker 1

Which already have finished products.

Speaker 2

Now, considering the immense dynamics of changing frequency relevance and the super-complicated logistics, the matter of modular drones is becoming maximally relevant.

Катерина Супрун

Right away, a question: how reliable is this? Because, in principle, the assembly, especially when drones are flying now—I was just thinking about this while we were organizing all this—drones fly long distances, and in principle, certain assemblies are very important so that they don't fall apart in the process. These little things, when we insert it all somewhere, how much does that affect it?

Speaker 2

It seems Mr. Viktor said that two years ago he brought a technical specification, and the technical specification was not very abstract, but quite concrete. They simply made their approximate modular drone, brought it, and the guys spent a very long time adapting the connectors specifically. They worked to ensure that the contact pad was as sufficient as possible, so that even with vibrations nothing would come loose, so that it would be shock-resistant, so that when you insert some object there, it wouldn't bend or break. This is precisely what took a huge amount of time, and there is already feedback from combat, and it is positive, fortunately. The only problem, generally the direction of development, the next steps could be the unification of these modules, and overall the potential transition to the point where we, the state or the unit, can purchase a bare drone. The state creates the prerequisite so that the number of modules is available among manufacturers, units, KSL, and in sufficient quantities, and the unit, instead of resoldering frequencies or VTXs directly at the positions, or doing it in a workshop, simply clicks them in. This is very convenient. Now we have, instead of previously, to change a VTX, one had to open the frame, resolder, find another VTX, and buy them mostly with their own money. And now this can be done by simply swapping it for another and inserting it. If we all switch to such unified modules, then potentially this will significantly increase the effectiveness of using these means and reduce the hassles for the unit.

Катерина Супрун

Mr. Ballistics, how do you like this idea? Perhaps you are already using some of these?

Балістика

The idea, actually, is not new. FPV has long been super-modular for us. We have a vast variety of different warheads, which we select depending on the task and essentially mount them quickly. We change different batteries depending on the range. We combine the weight of the battery with the warhead, increasing the battery and decreasing the warhead. The same drone essentially has a very large variety of configurations. The fact that everyone resolders the communication link one way or another is understandable. This takes quite a lot of time. For certain tasks, it sometimes needs to be done quickly, but logistically it is not possible to do it super-quickly. That is, doing it today for tomorrow doesn't work. Therefore, a solution with such modularity has a right to exist. But there are also certain risks here. Regarding the risks, I think everyone has encountered the situation when people in one company have different phones. Someone has an iPhone, someone has an Android. And here, either one or the other asks for a charger, and the charger doesn't fit. We know how this was solved in the European Union by the directive "iPhone, do you want to work in our market? Type-C". Therefore, there could be a first one. We already see now, I see, that there is one mount,

Балістика

The fastening here is different.

Балістика

And since this will be a hodgepodge of equipment and how logistics works, you told us to buy dozens, so we bought dozens. You told us to buy 7.2 VTX, we bought them for you. No matter what you don't want, we re-soldered the entire tron, and we will re-solder the connectors if there is incompatibility. Therefore, a balanced approach is needed here. On the other hand, this also has quite a significant legal component. If anyone knows,

Балістика

When we receive particularly large assets, we legally disassemble them into components. Batteries are accounted for separately, all elements are accounted for completely separately. Then, when we need to launch a drone, batteries and whatever else is needed are assigned to it. In our case, we simply expand the nomenclature and we have such-and-such a VTX that flew with such-and-such a camera. I see that here not only the communication module is changing,

Speaker 4

and the camera can be replaced. I've seen some pretty good solutions from Latvian gimbal manufacturers as well, specifically magnetic ones. Meaning, a guy attaches a daytime camera, removes it via a magnetic connector, and it's already a night camera, a three-axis gimbal. So it can be assembled for any task. The fact that the base for practically all 10-inch drones is the same, more or less the same—the motor group, the power group, the same props—what changes for us is either the camera, the battery, the control unit and VTX. In fact,

Speaker 4

that rush and REX. That is, we are changing the connection and video connection.

Speaker 1

That's exactly what I wanted to ask, what exactly should be modular, what should be detachable and interchangeable? In other words, what kind of body should arrive?

Speaker 4

The frame should come with motors, ESCs, and a flight controller. Regarding flight controllers, I haven't heard of anyone experimenting much. All flight controllers fly more or less normally. What changes are the cameras, communication, batteries, and warheads. These are the 4 main components that are changed. And the frames themselves. 8-inch, 10-inch, 15-inch. And then there is a variety of those. Another current priority among the options is that we are all working on increasing the deployment distance. Not only to reach the enemy, but also to pull our positions back from the kill zone. That is, we always have to think about how to manage… It was like with artillery: if your artillery fires 15 kilometers and theirs fires 10. You can feel sorry for them; it is the same with drones. Whoever has the longer reach is currently in the lead.

Speaker 1

And what then for those who have a base? There are drone manufacturers who have long been supplying their equipment to the military. What should they do now if we take the concept of a modular drone as the basis? That is, how should their design kit be expanded, and what should their proposal be?

Speaker 2

Well, look, overall, how did this task arise? It always existed, but it had a third priority. Currently, certain activities are taking place regarding the procurement of experimental drones. The question arose: how not to fail with the communication? I realize that a modular approach could be very helpful with this. For example, in our activities, we always rely on feedback from the military. I took the board again, I'm watching podcasts, nobody is taking anything.

Speaker 1

And

Speaker 2

we always take. Greetings to all powerful units. I would very much like this table to be very long.

Speaker 1

Then we just need to do something with the premises. We will be working on this now. New challenges, online training grounds, are now needed.

Speaker 2

Apache, Signa, Magyars, a huge number of powerful units who it would be great to hear from. So, I got in the car, went on a business trip, and saw a bit of one unit. They built VTX modules for themselves, specifically for their drones. They switch them. It's convenient for them because you generally have four options. You received a drone, if everything is okay with the frequencies, you fly. If the frequencies aren't okay, you either send it back,

Speaker 4

which is extremely difficult with the current logistics,

Speaker 2

or you bury them in

Speaker 4

soil two kilometers away from you, or you throw it away.

Speaker 2

Options, or you sit at the position and resolder. This is terrible work. Now, if we switch to such a principle, it will greatly ease the work. We conducted a survey on what is super important in terms of priorities; you can't do everything at once, you have to go gradually. The most critical things were the video link, the control link, the initiation board, and the last priority is the camera. This is if we are talking about FPV. Regarding other means, I am sure that other paths can be taken. And what Mr. Oleksandr said—there is absolutely a big problem with documents and bureaucracy. I received the drone as a unit. Here, for example, 5.8 915. If the unit there does not provide me with spare parts, then I have no motivation to carry out an act of change in the quality-technical state in the documents, take some VTX, and install it. I simply buy a VTX. On paper it is written that I flew on 5.8, but in fact, I flew on 6.7 or any other frequencies. The story with modules will help us, first of all, understand what is currently relevant. Secondly, it will greatly simplify the bureaucratic procedure.

Speaker 4

Important, based on what you said, give us real statistics. According to the reports, everything there is flying, everything is good, everything is good for everyone. All frequencies are working; whatever they provided, they all fly. That is

Speaker 1

not recycled

Speaker 4

Modified drones, they are not visible. They do not appear in statistics in the actual condition they are in. The next question, which is also problematic, does not concern FPVs as much as it concerns larger bombers, for example. We receive them in good, sturdy boxes. There are two sets of batteries. But we still lose these airframes. As a result, we have a huge logistical problem storing those boxes, which do not cost just 10 thousand hryvnias. They cost a significant amount of money. Batteries are accumulating. We want to use the batteries, but batteries from one drone often do not fit. Although on the other hand, if they would let us buy other airframes without a battery set. We would simply buy them cheaper. Give us cardboard packaging and the airframe without a battery. Because we already have the packaging, and batteries have already accumulated. And this would save our funds. Because usually, while those batteries are being moved around, one is bound to fall somewhere.

Speaker 2

And

Speaker 4

our entire warehouse with all the property will burn down. Therefore, this is also one of the options. And there is another problem, I think many units have encountered this. There are old batteries, for example, there are dangerous ones, where one element has fallen out. And it is already dangerous. And you store it.

Speaker 1

In order for this to work, we need, first of all, a proposal from the manufacturers with a set of options. And, accordingly, some changes—not legislative, but bureaucratic changes. Here,

Speaker 4

Look, I would still rather not base it on the manufacturers. You've already had two manufacturers propose. Three. Three. All of them met these conditions. But we take all three of these manufacturers, and they are not compatible with each other. That is also a problem. The task is, as the European Union did, to say, here, the connector must be like this. This limits neither competition nor

Speaker 2

What.

Speaker 4

Just so they would make them with the same connector, so that I could take [it] from this drone, or rather, from one manufacturer, take it, buy it… No, it's not working. So that everything would be compatible. Secondly, we would expand the competition a bit. Because entry would be easier. Maybe someone would just be a manufacturer of a single component. Or the fact that we are currently refining the drones. If we could buy components—fuck's sake—so that we had a developed market of components that could be swapped with one another. This would be a good solution.

Speaker 2

I cannot help but compliment the current ministry. In the previous, and in principle, the current one, the work logic has not changed. The logic of decision-making, however, has changed radically. Now, a lot of surveys have been actively introduced. Before making any decisions, surveys are conducted on a regular basis of both the military and then the manufacturers, so that they can provide feedback on whether the military's task can actually be fulfilled. And this will provide the opportunity for the leadership to hear the real picture of the world, the real wishes. And the unit will not then say that someone somewhere in a high office is bad and stupid, as this responsibility is blurred. Therefore, if you are a representative of a unit and you have received a survey—it is usually quite extensive, because many complex decisions must be made based on this survey. Answer very thoroughly. And we will always be grateful for positive feedback.

Speaker 1

Positive means good, and means

Speaker 2

high-quality.

Speaker 1

Negative feedback is also needed. I

Speaker 2

I would like to close the topic of modular FPV drones, explain the logic of how we would like to move forward. We are doing this not only on our own initiative, but in coordination with all relevant departments, bodies, ministries, etc. The goal of this event, the online demo day and this podcast, is generally to convey to manufacturers and, first and foremost, to the military, that modular FPV options exist. There are three of them; everything is on convenient connectors. And now our expectation is that the manufacturers, having heard this, will start dealing with this matter, trying to implement modular solutions, and so on. The next step will be finding the optimal solution and an approach to unification, as was the case with ground stations for fiber-optic drones. We spotted this solution at the 128th Heavy Mechanized Brigade in Zaporizhzhia, in a workshop, from a guy who simply created this solution for his own people. And based on this solution, a unified module was created. It will be the same here. A unification process will be undergone; it will be super difficult. There will be probably around ten meetings with all key manufacturers. But I am confident that we will get to this and arrive at such solutions. Are there drawbacks? Definitely, there is a great risk because the pinout constantly changes, and problems may arise from this. Second is the oxidation of contacts, because these modules will be stored, and they will oxidize. All these problems will have to be fought. Why? I have already explained. As of now, the process of modifying drones is very difficult, and units are forced to buy, for example, VTXs using their own funds. I've seen quads [costing] 300 thousand dollars. Good luck with that. Regarding the ebals? The process of introducing components for ebals is going very actively. A huge pile of problems and risks. One must not deviate from bureaucracy; it cannot be abandoned entirely. Everything must comply accordingly. Therefore, it takes a long time. But the team dealing with this is focusing its work on it. I wish this team to reach a result as quickly as possible.

Speaker 1

You also mentioned other drones that also need modularity. If we are talking about bombers, what set of modular parts could there be? Perhaps we can get ahead of it and start thinking ahead about this in advance?

Speaker 4

Look, actually, with what we are dealing with, there are literally a few components. First. Now new battery chemistry has appeared. And I would like it to be possible to buy them separately for the same fucking prices and put them on various drones. Because that gives up to 30% range.

Speaker 1

And they must be unified, obviously? And they

Speaker 4

they have super-standardized, they won't work, because there are drones that fly on 6S, some on 12S, some on 14S. That is, the power scheme itself is different in them; as for the contacts, they can be standardized, there can be adapters. This is already a step toward meeting halfway. But here, if you heard, so that we could buy basic drones in a different configuration without overpaying, because large drones cost a lot. Where to find so many warehouses so that this… and you can't write them off, because it runs. Well, that is

Speaker 2

the box is intact. By the way, many units are specifically reaching out about this, and highly praise the manufacturers,

Speaker 1

I am this cycle,

Speaker 2

like, take it… You can take the boxes, somehow, anyway, if it's a cardboard box, they write it off somehow.

Speaker 4

Well, a cardboard box, it's low-value, its balance in the SKU is, well, minimal. But some crates are 70 thousand per crate. No,

Speaker 1

it's not for nothing that it's 70 thousand, it's so… No, it's cool, it's cool,

Speaker 4

possible

Speaker 1

use.

Speaker 4

That is, you receive it via logistics for the crew, for example, in cheaper, disposable packaging.

Speaker 1

And then you use it.

Speaker 4

It is transferred there, from it the already existing packaging is transferred, and then to the positions, movement and so on, it is already going in an absolutely good, solid,

Speaker 2

sturdy packaging. This is exactly the story with the battery,

Speaker 2

We have our colleague Ms. Yana there; she surveyed many units, preliminarily surveyed manufacturers, like, what technical capabilities would help unify at least the batteries. It will be super difficult, but it is also about an understanding of how to unify at least one level further, to at least slightly tame this zoo. But this is a major process that we definitely need to move forward with. There was a big problem when one of the manufacturers, for certain reasons, had no batteries, and all the drones were grounded. You have a huge number of units, a huge number of drones, there are no batteries, that's it, everyone is grounded.

Speaker 1

Do they only come with these batteries?

Speaker 2

And you simultaneously have batteries from another manufacturer, enough of which to build a house. Then one battery fell, and this house burned down very brightly. And if it was also about transferring money, then

Speaker 4

Can I build a district?

Speaker 2

Batteries 60-80 thousand hryvnias. I don't want

Speaker 4

The figures are absolute, but these are thousands of batteries in warehouses.

Speaker 1

I once saw at one of the exhibitions, if I'm not mistaken, it was a Canadian company. They had a modular FPV drone,

Speaker 1

Not the same body as ours. These are like special units that are assembled together, into which all necessary elements are inserted. It was positioned as a drone for special units, for the so-called special operations forces. That is, super small, super light. Now, it's not about that; it's about creating a system that will allow one to assemble such a Lego, working in one place or another. I think that if some representatives of units are listening to us now, and they are clutching their heads because now all of this needs to be purchased, accounted for, and accordingly delivered by logistics to the crews, and this is also a real task with an asterisk, actually.

Speaker 2

Yes, by the way, those drones you're talking about—today we're going through the day FPV features; we've created broad categories, there are about twelve categories. These are various components, such as scramblers, VTX, custom communication, optical navigation, and a lot of different add-ons; separately, we have modular FPV drones, where manufacturers explain how they are implemented and exactly how much they cost. And separately, there are so-called CQB drones. We all understand,

Speaker 2

Not everyone understands this, but the kill zone there is already just incredible, and the line of combat engagement is already like Mars. And overall, it is very difficult to move around. And there was a task to develop a sort of CQB drone, a super small drone that can be operated in premises as well. And such drones are also represented there today.

Speaker 4

On this topic, we are also moving from large drones to

Speaker 2

more or less. A huge number of tactics for the application of a similar story. It's like how the DJI Avat was introduced there, there is this little drone. At first, they didn't want to touch it, then, as it were, they don't even go out there without it anymore. Its drawback is the absence of a warhead on it. Our solutions are already, fortunately,

Speaker 2

dissimilar, they differ, they are not as convenient, but they are already capable of performing the task, which, in principle, is enough. And that is exactly our task – to convey to the units that such a thing exists.

Speaker 1

The online demo day didn't just happen for no reason. Mr. Denys explained it, but the guys asked me to remind you once more that this is very important. We are adapting to a situation where any part of the country is under the threat of ballistic missiles. Not just ballistics, but Russian ballistics. It's not funny, but it's a fact. We are adapting, and it is very important to also get involved in online work. By the way, this allows many more people to be gathered together, because it is often more difficult to physically come to the testing ground, but here, just like that, everyone gathered together.

Speaker 2

Among other things, it is evident that such a format has a number of its own advantages, because everyone will definitely be heard by a large audience at once, but also drawbacks; as they say, it's not the same vibe.

Speaker 1

We tried to create the maximum, at least on our part.

Speaker 2

But the key is security. Right now, we are moving in this direction. Someone will say, why are you talking about the fact that you are doing this online, the enemy will find out, they will hack you, and so on. We will… the approach to security will be as maximum as possible.

Speaker 2

When we engage manufacturers, we always state that there may be a risk that this information could leak. Therefore, speak about what you can say, and do not speak about what you cannot. Even in reports, when we write some information about products, we do not write frequencies. Let the person interested in the product contact the manufacturer directly and find out all the sensitive information. In other words, there is a limit to what is permissible.

Speaker 4

I can give an example regarding the need for different configurations. We have a tool, we call the general group "middle bombers," and we purchase them by unit. One battery comes in the kit. To fly, since it's a reusable tool, you need a couple of batteries for them. Since they come with new ССБ batteries, we don't have them in stock. Therefore, we are either faced with conducting a separate tender and purchasing batteries, which is a real disaster in terms of time and everything else. Or buy them with a configuration that includes two battery sets. But this needs to be a one-time action for us, so that they don't accumulate, as in the previous case. Accordingly, if the products are the same according to the codification. For codification, essentially, whether it is one battery set or two. Well, there is no problem, the drone doesn't change because of this. But, accordingly, if there were, you know, some kind of gradation of different configurations, that would also be quite useful.

Speaker 1

Well, there is this idea with the drone configurator from AOS. We had an interview with Arsen Zhumodilov somewhere in March or February. I might be mixed up with the dates, but that's exactly when we talked about this drone configurator. There, like, what's the task? That it could be a configurator using only those components that the manufacturer itself can offer. That is, it's not that you are literally assembling a drone, as we all said here at the beginning. But, still, in the format that the manufacturer suggests. Most likely, in such a configurator, there could be exactly those things with additional batteries and all other components that need to be added. But, of course, the relay is already a slightly different bureaucratic side, like, to mandate. Now, as a suggestion, there is also such an idea regarding a configurator on Bravemarket. And there, perhaps, one could also match what works with what. Like, such a relay could be added there so that it's included.

Speaker 2

In a perfect fast world, it would be good for this to… An obvious idea, it's super-cool and super-great, but to realize it, a lot of time is needed. Because for such a configuration, you must have the corresponding TU, corresponding codification if necessary, and so on. But there is definitely movement in that direction. If more smart people worked in the structures that are precisely working on such solutions—they are already there. There aren't enough of them. They are all fantastic together. So that's also a call to action, for people to actually come and try.

Speaker 1

So, only the competence center; staffing is also needed, as was agreed at the beginning.

Speaker 2

But jokes aside. Many people think that somewhere there is an abstract state, somewhere three-meter-tall people walk and do…

Speaker 4

Adults

Speaker 2

of this world. Yes, and they do all this. No, each of us does this. And now, fortunately, a culture has been introduced where units have become part of decision-making. This is a fantastic story. And mostly, these are all very competent people who understand right here and now what the problem is. Because the blame changes every three months. And accordingly, it is necessary to adapt to this. The next step is so that not only the units deal with this, but a much larger number of people are involved in these processes.

Speaker 1

I wanted to ask you about those FPV features that Denys mentioned—optical stabilization, target tracking, batteries, and everything else. To what extent is your complex for FPV crews developed regarding the application of these features? Not just the drone in the form it currently is. To what extent does the workshop modify it?

Speaker 4

We have put all of this straight onto a production line. We have brigade-level workshops and battalion-level ones.

Speaker 4

For us, drones do not go to the position straight out of the box at all. They go through a complete preparation cycle so that the crew at the position, who have certain standards and a number of sorties… If they also have to mess around with the drones, they will not be able to meet the standards. And the standards are, in fact, very important. We set priorities for them for the destruction of manpower. This allows us, despite not being the largest brigade, to be far among the top five in strikes, not only of the SBS, but of all the defense forces. In our world, as for how we do it, we have logistics, which include workshops that fully provide for all of this. A monument should be erected to our logisticians, and to the air defense personnel, for how they handle all this on paper, so that everything is in accordance, so that when commissions arrive, no one is imprisoned for the fact that we are fighting effectively there. Therefore, this is important. First, it is important that we move toward removing the burden of reworking from combat units, because we are already like factories… Second, it is important to make our papers compliant, in a way that it can be done legally, for example, dismantling those same batteries, dismantling batteries into components, so that later…

Speaker 1

This must be in accordance with… Permission is needed for this

Speaker 4

have. Yes, you need to have a permit,

Speaker 4

This permit should be obtained within some reasonable limits, at least until the end of the war, and not after. And we, as a state, have to be—what's the English word—flexible, very flexible, in order to adapt to those needs. That is what I said there, "give us a different configuration." And the change of configuration should not be… For example, according to the agreement on the OOZ, we equipped 10 thousand of some airframes. And we are like, "is it possible, from the 10 thousand, the amount remains the same, but, say, reduce the number of batteries, for example, and increase the number of airframes? Is that possible?" "Well, probably it's possible." But now in this existing one, it is impossible within the existing…

Speaker 1

No, then it's a criminal proceeding, it just happens at some point.

Speaker 4

As for all the good initiatives, they can be viewed from another angle and someone can be locked up for it.

Speaker 1

Right, well then let's put a logical full stop here. Maybe someone [wants to] add something else, because as for the time… We already

Speaker 4

We've gone on air, this information is as an advertisement, 412th Nemesis Brigade, we have open vacancies. We are on the list of units where those who went AWOL can return via a simplified procedure; those who went AWOL before June 12 of this year, and there is a campaign until September 20, literally three days, and documentally a person can already be back in service… This is primarily an RND unit, right? No, we are not only in RND. We are also splitting the RND, expanding the staffing table, we have everything streamlined, we even officially have an innovation development department, we have a specialized deputy brigade commander, I am from this area. But we [need people] in combat units, not only in combat units, and in rear positions, there is always a shortage of people, because we are not losing people, we are simply expanding. We were a battalion, became a regiment, now a brigade, and we want to be fully staffed according to the staffing table.

Speaker 2

I need 30 seconds. First, I wanted to send greetings to this team of ours, especially Ms. Yana, Ms. Roman, Mr. Oleg and everyone. Thank you, keep it up. Our broadcast is ending. Continue your activities. Second, to send greetings to my mother and girlfriend. Great gratitude to all representatives of the Defense Forces. You yourselves understand for what. And thank you for the proactiveness you demonstrate. Fortunately, not always, but very often, it is heard. There is a separate story. I am now in a T-shirt of the 6th battalion of "Bird-Madyars". I am wearing this T-shirt for the second time. Everyone might think, probably, he only has one T-shirt. No.

Speaker 1

For the second time on Melindarnyi's stream. For the second time on Melindarnyi's stream.

Speaker 2

Well, that's not quite right. Recently, a good friend of ours received the "Hero of Ukraine." And then he sends me a video where he opens his tunic like this. And under his tunic, he had a "Braivan" t-shirt. So it's not entirely according to regulations. I won't announce the call sign. Perhaps it's not entirely according to regulations, I don't know, so as not to cause any trouble. But a big greeting to the entire battalion and all representatives of the Defense Forces. Thank you.

Speaker 1

I am grateful that the military is part of this work. For us, actually, it is very important that we be a place where we can all gather and discuss together. And working in such online conditions, we are always ready to work offline. But if it's online, then it's online. That means we can do everything. We will work on expanding the table in order to already do a talk show in some future episodes. Thank you to everyone who watched.

Speaker 2

Sorry, I didn't mention something important. The task was not to highlight a specific manufacturer. The task was to highlight the type of equipment and the technical capabilities that any manufacturer can acquire. And a unit looking for similar solutions could, in principle, find whom to work with. And as for the appeal to manufacturers, move in that direction. And regarding FPV features, one phrase was not said: that a huge number of these conditional FPV features, or any drone modifications currently being installed, are carried out by workshops or units themselves. I want to find the capabilities at production facilities to implement them first.

Speaker 1

Support.

Speaker 2

It is organizationally very difficult to release. It's in Masprod, a large logistics arm and so on. But I sincerely hope and believe that it will work, so that the implementation of such refinements from the factory is as fast as possible.

Speaker 4

But what AOC contracts, there is already a clearly defined… We know in advance that we will not get what we want. Therefore, the question is still for the state to consider how the procurement system can be made more flexible… The procurement system and changes to already existing contracts. If some mistake crept in somewhere, that we bought not quite what was needed, so that it could be changed promptly.

Speaker 2

Such a story happens quite often, but more people are needed to gather and process it. We will never say it like this to everyone until the encounter. We will finish.

Speaker 1

Maybe it's good. But anyway, let's wrap up.

Speaker 2

That's all, thank you very much.

Speaker 4

Thank you.