Unmanned Systems Forces: Ukrainian Defense Ministry explains importance of new military branch

"The use of unmanned systems as a means of reconnaissance and destruction of the enemy - on the ground, in the air, and at sea - is a real revolution in the conduct of hostilities. Drones have proven their undeniable effectiveness and importance in modern warfare," he says.

The official adds that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already inflicted critical losses on the Russian fleet: every day they destroy enemy manpower and equipment in significant volumes - thanks to drones.

"The creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces as an independent branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a confirmation that we understand the importance of these technologies. And we are ready to properly utilize all the advantages of unmanned vehicles," Pavliuk says.

He emphasizes that the new organizational capabilities will allow not only to create special staff positions to work with drones.

"These will be new units, as well as a system for accumulating, evaluating, sharing experience, and training in the use of drones. It is also important that opportunities are opening up for full-scale production of drones and their deployment in the military. Ukraine has not only the technology but also significant prospects for realizing its tasks on the battlefield thanks to the use of unmanned technologies," he emphasizes.

New branch of troops

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Cabinet of Ministers and the General Staff to work on the issue of creating Unmanned Systems Forces as a separate military branch within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Based on the results of the processing, submit relevant proposals to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine," the Presidential decree says.