Global Drone Academy, the first certified and licensed UAV operator training center in Ukraine, is celebrating its fourth anniversary.
Since its establishment in 2022, the center has become one of the key institutions shaping the professional UAV operator market in Ukraine. It was founded by industry specialists in response to Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine. The academy’s primary mission is to provide comprehensive education and support to drone operators, enabling them to achieve results both in operational environments and in professional, non-combat contexts.
The academy received its first certification from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and became the first institution to obtain a professional technical education license from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Its educational program includes eight in-person and four online courses designed for both military personnel and civilians. The team comprises 18 instructors who meet national professional standards. The training center operates out of Riga (Latvia).
Over the past four years, Global Drone Academy has trained more than 8,000 students, including both military personnel and civilians. The academy has developed a comprehensive educational ecosystem that combines state-certified programs with hands-on training. This approach enables graduates to operate effectively within units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Additionally, GDA actively collaborates with Ukrainian UAV manufacturers and offers training for international students in English.
“Four years represent thousands of hours of training and hundreds of successful graduates both on the frontlines and in civilian projects,” said Anton Veklenko, head of the training center. “We are grateful to every student, every instructor, the entire academy team, as well as our Ukrainian and international partners. Your support forms the foundation of everything we do.”
At the same time, the academy continues to build on its achievements. In April 2026, the team plans to unveil details of a fundamentally new educational program.
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Source: Global Drone Academy press release
