The full-scale war was a powerful impetus for the creation of a new kind of troops in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF). This was an official recognition of the importance of drones on the modern battlefield, including FPV drones, reconnaissance drones, attack drones and kamikaze drones. The creation of the UAS was one of the stages of a large-scale transformation of Ukraine's defence sector and meets the challenges of future technological warfare.
Why there was a need to create a separate branch of the armed forces
From the beginning of the ATO to the present day, the number of drones on the frontline has been steadily increasing and their functionality expanding. UAVs are becoming different - smarter thanks to AI, autonomous thanks to fibre optics and automatic guidance systems, faster, quieter. They are no longer auxiliary tools to fight the occupiers. They have become full-fledged participants in the battle.
FPV drones, reconnaissance drones and strike UAVs have become a massive and accurate tool for destroying enemy manpower and equipment. Ukrainian units equipped with drones achieved significant success, but operated within different military formations, which complicated centralisation, coordination, training and logistics. A unified structure, uniform supply and funding were needed. The problem could be solved by creating a separate branch of the military that would deal specifically with unmanned systems. This task became obvious and urgent.
Official establishment of the Unmanned Systems Force
The Unmanned Systems Forces were officially created two years after the start of the full-scale invasion - in February 2024, according to a decree of the President of Ukraine and the relevant order of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This event was the first in the history of Ukraine to give drones a separate functional role and their own military organisation, on a par with infantry, artillery or aviation. Drones are an official part of the army!
The process was led by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine in cooperation with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the State Special Communications Service, volunteer organisations and private drone manufacturers. The Army of Drones, which already had experience in centralised procurement, operator training and standardisation, acted as the coordinating body.
Goals and objectives of the SSF, structure of the new type of troops
What is the purpose of the Unmanned Systems Force? They have several key tasks:
- Conducting intelligence at all levels - from tactical to operational and strategic.
- Attack operations using FPV drones, barrage munitions, and strike UAVs.
- Electronic warfare (EW) is about neutralising enemy drones and protecting your own.
- Development and integration of artificial intelligence into combat systems.
- Training of specialists - operators, engineers, tactical commanders.
- Testing, procurement and development of innovative drone technologies.
The SBS includes several subdivisions, namely:
- operational and tactical drone units (combat use);
- training centres (training of pilots and technicians);
- research and development units (innovation and development);
- logistics hubs (delivery, repair, and upgrade of UAVs).
Advantages of separating unmanned forces into a separate branch of the armed forces
Why was it worthwhile to quickly create a new branch of the armed forces? This event allowed us to gain a number of advantages, including:
- Centralisation and standardisation have made it possible to ensure uniform approaches to equipping, training and combat use of drones.
- Optimisation of resources has allowed for more efficient use of funding, which often comes from different sources - both from the state and from volunteer funds.
- Accelerating innovation through close cooperation with developers, volunteers, and startups.
- Flexibility and speed - a new kind of troops can quickly respond to changes in enemy tactics.
Recognition of the role of drones has made it possible to carry out legal and personnel registration of operators who previously operated in the grey zone of the military system.
Significance for the future of Ukraine's defence
The creation of the Unmanned Systems Forces was not just a temporary solution, but a major and important strategic step towards the digitalisation and automation of warfare. Russia is superior in terms of equipment, manpower, and innovation. Ukraine had to quickly find a solution to counter it. The choice was the path of technological superiority.
The separation of drones into a separate branch of the armed forces has a large set of meanings, both now and in the future:
- Formation of a new military doctrine, where technology is at the heart of offensive and defensive actions.
- Creating a model for NATO and other allies who are closely watching Ukraine's experience.
- A guarantee of security in the long term, because the war of the future is a war of smart machines, networks and algorithms.
The unmanned systems forces have become a symbol of the new Ukrainian army: smart, flexible, and technologically advanced. Drone troops are a worthy response to modern threats and a tool that allows us to shape the future of defence thinking in the world. Ukraine is once again at the forefront of military innovation - this time in a sky full of drones.
