The Ukrainian leadership, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, has sanctioned the creation of a new branch within the Armed Forces of Ukraine dedicated to unmanned systems. The decision, embedded in a formal decree published on the president’s official portal, confirms the move as a standalone component of Ukraine’s military structure. The decree marks the culmination of a policy trajectory that began with a June 25 meeting of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, where the plan to establish unmanned systems forces as an independent type of military force was approved and subsequently enacted by presidential order from the date of its publication. In practical terms, this step acknowledges the growing role of drone and autonomous capability in modern defense and reflects Ukraine’s intent to integrate such platforms more deeply into strategic planning, operations, and command and control under a clearly defined command authority. The formal establishment of the Unmanned Systems Force as a distinct branch signals a shift in how Ukraine organizes, trains, and equips units that specialize in air and ground-based unmanned platforms, sensor systems, and related warfare technologies, aligning doctrine with evolving battlefield realities and the imperative to leverage high-precision, networked capabilities in both defensive and offensive contexts. The decree thus provides the legal and organizational framework for around-the-clock development, procurement, and deployment of unmanned systems, including air, maritime, and land platforms, as part of a coherent national defense posture. News outlets continue to monitor how this new force integrates with existing branches, ensuring interoperability while expanding the country’s capacity for persistent surveillance, rapid target acquisition, and autonomous strike options where legally permissible. Analysts note that creating a separate unmanned systems branch could streamline decision-making, standardize training programs, and facilitate specialized procurement pipelines, while also presenting challenges related to doctrine harmonization, system integration, and the need for robust cyber and electronic warfare protections. The operational implications extend to command structures, logistics, and doctrine development, as the Ukrainian armed forces adapt to a higher tempo of unmanned operations and sector-wide modernization. In early February, officials announced the formal establishment of the Unmanned Systems Force as a distinct entity within the military. By June, Colonel Vadim Sukharevsky received appointment as commander of the unmanned systems forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reflecting the leadership’s emphasis on experienced leadership to guide talent recruitment, training regimens, and the integration of unmanned platforms into joint operations. The transition period is being watched closely by international partners, defense analysts, and regional observers who are assessing how this new branch will contribute to Ukraine’s strategic objectives and its broader defense modernization program, while remaining cognizant of ongoing security dynamics in the region. Ongoing updates and further details are anticipated as the force matures and additional doctrinal, organizational, and capability milestones are announced by official Kyiv sources (as reported by state communications offices and defense ministry briefings).
Throughout the rollout, authorities emphasize the goal of building a robust, scalable unmanned systems enterprise that can support protective responsibilities for civilians, secure critical infrastructure, and enhance situational awareness across operational theaters. The focus remains on responsible stewardship of automation-enabled assets, adherence to international law, and the continuous calibration of training and readiness to maximize effectiveness while minimizing risk to personnel and noncombatants. Stakeholders expect transparent progress reporting and performance reviews that track milestones in platform acquisition, pilot programs, and the maturation of the command-and-control architecture that will govern unmanned missions. The unfolding development of Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces is a critical component of the broader modernization agenda, reflecting a sustained commitment to evolving military capabilities in response to changing security challenges and alliance expectations .
News updates will follow as more information becomes officially available.