On the instruction of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has expanded the "18-24 Contract" project to new positions. The Government has decided to launch a separate track of the program — a contract for drone operators.
The list of staff positions related to operating unmanned systems, available to Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 25, has been significantly expanded — covering operators and technicians of unmanned aerial and ground systems.
All on enlisted positions. The number of units joining the “18-24 Contract” program has also been expanded — 46 new ones, with the 5th Separate Assault Brigade added from the Ground Forces.

What you need to know about the “18-24 Contract” for the unmanned systems track
Compared to the previous positions, this track has special conditions. In particular, this contract sets a clear service term of two years. A mandatory condition of this contract is direct participation in combat operations for at least 12 months.
Future drone operators will undergo:

up to 45 days of basic training;

up to 60 days of professional training (taking into account existing certificates);

a 14-day adaptation course.

As in the main “18-24 Contract” program, a payment of UAH 1 million is provided, paid in three stages. The third — upon completion of the contract, subject to 12 months of direct participation in combat operations. If the contract terms aren't met, the third portion (UAH 500,000) is calculated at 1/12 per month of participation in combat operations.

After completing service, defenders receive additional state support, including a 0% mortgage.
It's also worth noting that the Verkhovna Rada recently supported a bill, initiated by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which strengthens the right to education for young people aged 18 to 25 who joined the Defense Forces under contract or through mobilization.

According to the bill, young servicemen:

are given the right to study at higher education institutions without interrupting their service;

are guaranteed to keep their place of study and scholarship during service;

are given the right to leave in connection with studying at a higher education institution.

In addition, on the initiative of the Ministry of Defense, the Government is submitting a bill to Parliament on deferral for those who served under the "18-24 Contract" program.
Thus, everyone who voluntarily joined the army under contract will have the right to a 12-month deferral after turning 25.
It should also be emphasized that the categories of servicemen eligible for the UAH 1 million payment have been expanded. The adopted changes apply to those who, since February 24, 2022, joined the army before age 25 and served in enlisted, sergeant, and warrant officer positions, and as of February 13, 2025, had at least 6 months of participation in combat operations. This rule extends to:

conscripts who signed a contract after the start of the full-scale aggression;

servicemen who were certified for officer rank.

Apply through the 1st Recruitment Center of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
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