Ukraine War Upd. EXTRA: Answering Drone Questions/Criticisms - Drone Training
Table of Contents 📖
"If you ever wondered what you would have done to stop Hitler, you're doing it now"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:10⏩
Jonathan introduces the video on drones - an analysis based on data from Andrew Perpetua, who analyses a lot of drone footage.
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Analysis of Russian and Ukrainian FPV drone use - August-December 2023
🎦 00:11-03:02⏩
Jonathan discusses Andrew Perpetua's data set which shows that overall, Ukraine has had more success in using FPV drones to target Russian infantry and equipment. He shares his initial analysis of the data which suggests that Russia is lying about out-producing Ukraine in drone manufacture by 6:1.
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Addressing viewer (TLM) concerns about bias in Andrew Perpetua's data
🎦 03:02-10:38⏩
Jonathan addresses concerns from viewer TLM about the potential for bias in Andrew Perpetua's data, given that it relies more on Ukrainian sources. Jonathan argues that Andrew Perpetua overcompensates for this by seeking out Russian sources, and highlights that the data shows Ukrainians are more successful at destroying Russian equipment. He reads out TLM's comment in full (it's a good question) and addresses each point. He contacted Andrew Perpetua directly to discuss TLM's point. Andrew Perpetua confirmed that he analyses three times as much Russian footage than Ukrainian, and still sees more Russian equipment destroyed. Jonathan uses an analogy of searching for gold in a small and a large pile, emphasizing that the size of the pile (amount of footage) is less important than the amount of gold found (equipment destroyed).
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Addressing viewer (Radhika Pereira) comments - are Ukrainian drone operators better?
🎦 10:39-13:41⏩
Jonathan addresses comments from viewer Radhika Pereira, who compares Ukrainian drone superiority claims to suggesting Ukrainians are better drivers - Jonathan refutes this strongly as a false equivalence and explains why. He points to the systematic training and funding of Ukrainian drone operators, specifically highlighting United24's efforts, as evidence of Ukraine's advantage.
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Inside Ukraine's Drone Training Programs - July 2023
🎦 13:41-25:34⏩
Jonathan discusses an article in _The Spectator_ by Svitlana Moronets, titled "Inside Ukraine's Drone Army", which details Ukrainian drone training programs. He notes that this article, while insightful, predates the significant increase in drone production and procurement in Ukraine since July 2023, meaning that the situation has evolved considerably since then. He quotes extensively from the article and from a Ukraine: The Latest podcast episode, both from July 2023, to provide examples of the robust training regimes for Ukrainian drone operators, highlighting:
- The existence of private drone schools, such as the "Drone Fight Club", offering structured training programs.
- The rigorous nature of these programs, including simulator training, practical exercises, and strict assessments with failure resulting in removal from the course.
- The emphasis on safety and responsibility in training, ensuring operators understand the potential consequences of mistakes.
- The personal transformation of soldiers undergoing the training, from initial enthusiasm to a more hardened realism after experiencing combat.
- The Ukrainian government's financial incentives for training drone operators, further encouraging proficiency.
- The preference among Ukrainian drone operators for domestically produced drones due to their lower cost and ease of repair.
- The ongoing need for drones and skilled operators, as emphasized by Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, who aims to double the number of trained operators.
Jonathan's conclusions on Ukrainian Drone use
🎦 25:34-27:04⏩
Jonathan reiterates his belief that Ukraine is producing and effectively utilizing FPV drones at a higher rate than Russia, citing a lack of data supporting Russian claims of superior production. He encourages viewers to seek out the source material for themselves - the Svitlana Moronets article _Inside Ukraine's Drone Army_ and Ukraine: The Latest podcast episode Day 619
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Comment from "Darth Putin"
🎦 27:19-28:07⏩
Jonathan shares a poignant comment from Twitter parody account "Darth Putin" which states: "If you ever wondered what you would have done to stop Hitler, you're doing it now", highlighting the limited action being taken by the West in the face of Russian aggression.
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Ukrainian pilot delivers sweets to young supporter
🎦 28:07-29:01⏩
Jonathan shares a heart warming story about a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter pilot who surprised a young girl with sweets by dropping them from his helicopter as a thank you for her consistent waves of support during his missions.
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Wrap up
🎦 29:01-None
Jonathan thanks viewers, asks them to like and subscribe and signs off.
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