Contract 18–24 expanded: what has changed for drone operators.

In July this year, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported the initiative of the Ministry of Defense to expand the experimental project 'Contract 18–24'. The Ministry of Defense explained that now the contract is being extended to positions related to the use of unmanned systems and includes a number of innovations for drone operators.

Features of the new 'Contract 18-24'

According to the updated conditions, contracts for unmanned system operator positions will be concluded for 2 years with the condition of participation in combat actions for no less than 12 months. The duration of training for recruits in the field of UAVs has been increased to 4 months, including general military and professional training, as well as an adaptation course.

• After signing the contract, the operator may receive a one-time financial aid of up to 1 million hryvnias.
• Service under this contract provides certain benefits, such as a mortgage at 0%, free education, a social package, and medical care.

After completing the contract, operators can take advantage of a 1-year deferral from conscription and unrestricted travel abroad. They also receive a financial allowance of up to 120,000 hryvnias per month.

Project participants can serve in private positions in the Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Service. Several military units are actively participating in the experimental project.

Expansion of categories of military personnel

Changes also expand the categories of military personnel who can receive a one-time financial aid of 1 million hryvnias. This provision applies to contract soldiers and military personnel who participated in combat actions and signed contracts after a certain date.

Earlier, the government launched a separate direction of the 'Contract 18-24' program, which allows citizens over 60 years old to serve in the military under contract.

In July this year, the government supported the expansion of categories of military personnel who can sign contracts under the 'Contract 18-24' program. Now experiment participants will receive a number of new benefits and the possibility of one-time financial aid of up to 1 million hryvnias. The changes also involve expanding the conditions for the service of drone operators and the duration of training for them. Project participants can serve in various positions in the Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Service.