President Zelenskyy announces the establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) in Ukraine, highlighting the crucial role of drones in ongoing battles against Russian forces. The USF is seen as a pioneering step in global drone warfare, with support from international allies and a focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defence strategies.
Ukraine Establishes Unmanned Systems Forces Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine has launched the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), a new military branch dedicated to drone warfare. Announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2024, the USF is portrayed as the first of its kind globally. Ukrainian officials highlighted the efficacy of drones in ongoing battles against Russian forces, emphasizing their role on land, in the sky, and at sea.
Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defense, stated that the establishment of the USF underscores Ukraine’s pioneering role. According to Oleksandr Yarmak, platoon commander, the new branch signifies a historical restructuring that necessitates novel security approaches. Commander Sukharevskyi views the USF as a step toward future warfare preparedness, noting a significant increase in drone supplies to Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the first five months of 2024.
The USF benefits from the Coalition of Drones, an international alliance involving Latvia, the UK, Sweden, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Denmark, Canada, and Australia. Concurrently, the “Unite with Ukraine” initiative has delivered 100 First Person View (FPV) drones to an experienced unit within the 48th Separate Assault Battalion, primarily composed of Crimean Tatars and volunteers. President Zelenskyy has honored members of this battalion for their bravery.
In a separate event, on June 13, powerful explosions were reported in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities following a Russian missile and drone attack. The Ukrainian Air Force documented the launch of 24 Shahed combat drones, four Tu-95MC cruise missiles, a Kinzhal aeroballistic missile, and an Iskander-M ballistic missile. Except for the Iskander-M, all projectiles were intercepted. The attack resulted in injuries and structural damage in Kyiv and the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The ongoing conflict underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare and the critical role of international support and technological advancement in Ukraine’s defense strategies.