Government decides to launch separate direction of "Contract 18–24" program for drone operators - Shmyhal

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to launch a separate direction of the "Contract 18–24" program for drone operators with a service term of two years. This was announced by Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on the Telegram channel, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

"On the instructions of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, we are expanding the "Contract 18–24". The government has decided to launch a separate direction of the program - a contract for drone operators who will serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service. This direction has special conditions. The main one is a clear service term: two years," he said.

Shmyhal noted that future drone operators will undergo up to 45 days of basic training, up to 60 days of professional training (taking into account existing certificates) and 14 days of an adaptation course.

As in the main program, a payment of UAH 1 million is provided, which is carried out in three stages. After completing the service, defenders receive additional support from the state, including a 0% mortgage.

In addition, the minister noted that the government has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on a one-year deferral of mobilization for volunteers who served under the "Contract 18–24" after reaching the age of 25.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in February, the Ministry of Defense officially launched the "Contract 18-24" project - an initiative for volunteers aged 18-24 who are ready to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine for one year.

The 1-year contract provides for a reward of UAH 1 million, the possibility of a "zero" mortgage, education at state expense, free medical care, including dental prosthetics, the right to travel abroad after a year of service, and guaranteed exemption from mobilization for 12 months after the end of the contract.

To request a correction, please send an email.