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The Ukrainian government has announced the creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces, independent of the traditional Army, Navy and Air Force military structure.
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The decree, announced by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 6 February, is likely a world-first achievement as the Armed Forces of Ukraine seeks to increase capabilities of their unmanned and robotic air, sea and land systems against Russian forces.
“The cabinet of ministers of Ukraine, with the involvement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to work out the issue of creating unmanned systems forces as a separate type of force in the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and, based on the results of the study, make relevant proposals for consideration by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine,” according to the new government decree (translated).
“(It’s) a strategic issue. I have just signed a decree initiating the establishment of a separate branch of our Defense Forces – the Unmanned Systems Forces,” President Zelenskyy said.
“This is not a matter of the future, but something that should yield a very concrete result shortly.
“This year should be pivotal in many ways. And, obviously, on the battlefield as well.
“Drones, unmanned systems, have proven their effectiveness in battles on land, in the sky and at sea.
“Ukraine has truly changed the security situation in the Black Sea with the help of drones. Repelling ground assaults is primarily the task of drones.
“The large-scale destruction of the occupiers and their equipment is also the domain of drones. The current list of tasks is clear: special staff positions for drone operations, special units, effective training, systematisation of experience, constant scaling of production, and the involvement of the best ideas and top specialists in this field.
“This is a task for the army, the Ministry of Defense, and the government as a whole. And to ensure the necessary coordination in the Defense Forces, to ensure the proper level of planning and quality of logistics, the Unmanned Systems Forces will be established within the AFU. The relevant proposals will be submitted for consideration by the NSDC.
“We continue the reboot of the state system – those elements that are necessary for Ukraine to achieve its goals. Totally fair goals. Ukraine can win. Ukraine must win. And we must do everything for this. I thank everyone who helps. Glory to everyone who fights and works for our country.”
Representatives from more than 120 companies, involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have met with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Digital Transformation, State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, Defense Procurement Agency and Central Administration of Unmanned Systems of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Ukraine government has also reduced bureaucratic hurdles to fast-track unmanned technology by simplifying import of components for drones from abroad, accelerating procurement and delivery of drones to the Defense Forces, and launching a fast-track program for drones in which companies can obtain permission for the operation and codification of UAVs according to a simplified procedure.
The Brave1 defence technology cluster has also been launched to establish systematic and effective cooperation between key stakeholders, ministries, the military, manufacturers, investors, and global corporations.
During 2023, Ukrainian production of unmanned aerial vehicles was significantly scaled up, with 67 models of Ukrainian UAVs receiving codification and 58 receiving a state contract. More than 200 Ukrainian companies are reportedly operating UAVs or UAV services and products in the field of drones.
“We will respond to Russia for every missile, every ‘Shahed’ (Iranian-produced kamikaze drone),” he said on 7 February.
“Our task this year is not only to maximally strengthen our air shield and long-range capabilities of Ukraine, but also to inflict maximum systemic losses on Russia.
“Thank you to everyone who fights for our country, who protects the Ukrainian sky, who protects Ukraine’s security in the Black Sea.
“Thanks to everyone who helps us. And to everyone, everyone, who works for the sake of Ukraine being able to endure and achieve its own goals in the war.”
