Ukraine to Create Unmanned Systems Forces
6 February, 2024 Bober and UJ-22 Airborne drones of Ukrainian production, July 2023. Photo credits: kmu.gov.ua Ukraine will begin to create an Unmanned Systems Forces as part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered the creation of a separate branch in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The decree No.
51/2024 'On increasing the Capabilities of the Defense Forces' was published on the website of the Presidential Office. This issue should be addressed by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with the involvement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"I decree to explore the issues of establishing within the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the Forces of Unmanned Systems as a separate branch," the message reads.
Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo credits: Office of the President
Finally, after the analysis, the Ukrainian government is expected to submit relevant proposals for consideration to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. "I have just signed a decree that begins the creation of a separate branch in our Defense Forces - the Unmanned Systems Forces," Zelensky said.
The President added that the list of tasks is clear:
- special job positions for working with drones;
- special units;
- effective training;
- systematization of experience;
- continuous scaling of production;
- attracting the best ideas, the best specialists in this area.
To provide the necessary coordination in the Defense Forces and to ensure the proper level of planning and quality of logistics, the Unmanned Systems Forces must be established in the structure of the Armed Forces.
Ukrainian Sea Baby naval drone.
2023. Ukraine. Photo credits: SSU
It is worth noting that the structure will also include Forces engaged in naval unmanned systems.
"Ukraine has really changed the security situation in the Black Sea due to drones," Zelensky said.
Recall that recently, Ukrainian forces destroyed the Russian corvette Ivanovets with naval strike drones.