Why can’t the war be won with drones alone, and what role do assault units play in modern warfare? How…
Units of the Unmanned Systems Forces are scaling up and increasing both in personnel and strike capabilities; plans call for more than doubling their numbers.
This was reported by the Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.
According to the Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the AFU:
- the 414th Separate USF “Madyar’s Birds” has been doubled in size, with the introduction of a deep-strike component;
- the 14th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment has been expanded into the 1st Separate Unmanned Systems Center;
- the 20th Separate K-2 Regiment has been transformed into the 20th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade;
- the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Nemesis” has been transformed into the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade;
- the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Battalion “Raid” has been transformed into the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Raid”.
Robert Brovdi reports that the decision was made on Defender of Ukraine Day, 1 October 2025, against the backdrop of the mainstreaming of deep strikes against the “worm-like” strategic oil, gas, chemical, energy and other infrastructure, with the aim of affecting the combat capability of the aggressor country and for the purpose of building up capabilities and employing unmanned systems (drones).
Recruitment is ahead: filling units exclusively with volunteers, including UAU (unauthorized absence from unit) and Army+. Transfers between units — only by mutual consent.
“We are 2%. Will we be more? We need 5% of the total strength of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Let’s see — recruitment will start on 17–18 October. Details to follow. Competent mobilisation, supply and employment”, — the Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces guarantees.
