On the modern battlefield, threats do not always announce themselves.

A faint buzz overhead is often the first sign.

For Armed Forces of Ukrainian members, drones are a constant presence, shaping how they move, fight and survive.

That reality is driving how Australian instructors design and deliver training in the United Kingdom on Operation Kudu.

“In their battlespace, drones are everywhere,” said an Australian Army instructor. 

“They affect movement, casualty care and even how long you can stay in one position.”

Rather than treating drones as a single lesson, instructors integrate counter‑drone awareness throughout the course.

'But in some situations, standing near cover, like trees, actually reduces your signature. It’s counter‑intuitive, but it’s what experience has taught them.'

From trench warfare to urban operations, trainees are forced to consider the airspace above them as much as the terrain underfoot.

“People instinctively think lying down is safer,” the instructor said.

“But in some situations, standing near cover, like trees, actually reduces your signature. It’s counter‑intuitive, but it’s what experience has taught them.”

While Ukrainian soldiers bring first-hand knowledge of operating under constant observation, Australian instructors contribute structured leadership frameworks, helping commanders manage teams in environments where hesitation or poor positioning can be fatal.

Modern threats have also reshaped assumptions about medical evacuation.

In earlier conflicts, rapid casualty extraction was often possible. Under drone threat, that is no longer guaranteed.

“The golden hour doesn’t always exist,” another instructor said. 

“Leaders have to plan to sustain casualties in place, sometimes for extended periods.”

Training scenarios now reflect that reality.

Leaders are required to stabilise casualties, maintain control of their teams and continue the mission while under pressure.

'We’re learning as much as we’re teaching. What works in this environment isn’t always obvious if you haven’t experienced it.'

For Major Jarrad Dekuyer, this constant adaptation is one of Operation Kudu’s defining strengths.

“We assess each course and adjust,” he said.

“If something isn’t relevant to the current fight, we change it, sometimes part‑way through.”

The learning does not flow in one direction.

Australian soldiers are absorbing lessons from Ukrainian trainees who have lived under drone‑saturated conditions for years.

“We’re learning as much as we’re teaching,” an instructor said.

“What works in this environment isn’t always obvious if you haven’t experienced it.”

As modern warfare continues to evolve, drones have become a defining feature, forcing armies to rethink movement, leadership and survivability.

On Operation Kudu, Australian soldiers are ensuring those lessons are understood before trainees return to the front line.