The Pentagon is closely monitoring an innovative point-based «gaming system» introduced within Ukraine’s drone forces, according to a report by Time.

The system, developed by Mikhail Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation, turns drone operations into something resembling a video game — a shift that has significantly improved operator performance while introducing new risks.

Fedorov argues that the bonus program not only motivates personnel but also allows Ukrainian command to quickly adjust priorities and coordinate actions in real time, giving added weight to specific targets.

As Time notes, changes to the scoring algorithm have already led to more successful strikes. Drone operators in the Ukrainian Armed Forces earn points for destroying Russian targets, which they can then exchange for new UAVs through the digital platform Brave1. For instance, eliminating a tank earns 40 points, while destroying a multiple rocket launcher system brings up to 50 points. A heavy six-rotor «Vampir» drone bomber costs 43 points.

The system has drawn interest from U.S. military officials, who acknowledge that arms deliveries in the United States can take years — compared to an average of just ten days in Ukraine. One senior officer even described the approach as a «military version of Amazon Prime».

Not everyone supports the new initiative. Pavel Yelizarov, commander of the Lasar’s Group drone unit, warned that publishing rankings and the names of commanders could allow Russia to identify and prioritize high-value targets. Despite his concerns, his unit ultimately joined the program and is now consistently ranked among the top performers.

The Time article also raises ethical concerns about the gamification of warfare, suggesting that blurring the line between virtual and real combat could have serious psychological consequences for soldiers. Former Ukrainian prosecutor Gyunduz Mamedov warned that this approach might result in significant emotional impacts on personnel.

Despite such criticisms, the program continues to expand and evolve.