Ukrainian troops have adopted a system inspired by video games that assigns points for successful drone strikes. For instance, eliminating a Russian soldier earns 12 points, while destroying a tank is worth 40 points.
Named the Brave1 Market, this system allows military units to access and purchase defense technology online based on their accumulated points, as explained by Tim Mak, a war correspondent stationed in Kyiv.
According to Mak, the more enemy soldiers captured or confirmed kills achieved, the more points a unit can accumulate to acquire additional equipment and drones, enhancing their combat capabilities.
Described as an Amazon-like marketplace for warfare, the Brave1 Market commenced operations in April and expanded in August, with 400 drone units actively competing for points, Ukrainian authorities report. Earning points varies from wounding an enemy soldier (8 points) to neutralizing a specialist drone operator (25 points). Notably, capturing a Russian soldier alive yields 120 points.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s digital transformation minister, expressed support for the system, stating that it boosts military motivation and aids in thwarting enemy advances.
Christian Enemark, a veteran in war ethics studies, raised concerns over the system’s gamification aspect, suggesting that it could potentially diminish the gravity of lethal actions performed by individuals in combat scenarios.
Fedorov, however, dismissed such concerns, emphasizing the system’s role in enhancing military effectiveness amidst the ongoing conflict.
Not all Ukrainian officials share the same sentiment, with former prosecutor Gyunduz Mamedov cautioning against the dehumanizing effects of such systems on soldiers returning from war.
System meets soldiers’ need: reporter
Mak defended the points system, asserting that criticism may overlook the realities faced by Ukrainian soldiers engaged in active combat. He highlighted the operational benefits of the system, emphasizing its flexibility in addressing frontline challenges.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, tens of thousands have lost their lives in the conflict, marked by the extensive use of drone technology. Efforts to negotiate a peace settlement have yielded minimal progress.
In contrast to Russia’s cash incentives for tank destruction, Ukraine’s system allows units to procure military equipment based on their specific operational requirements, a feature that Mak considers a transparent and adaptive approach to military logistics.
Enemark stressed the importance of upholding ethical standards in warfare technology advancements, cautioning against trivializing the ethical considerations associated with combat actions due to technological innovations.
Mak concluded by emphasizing the system’s significance in Ukraine’s defense strategy