NewsUkraine's president Zelensky initiates creation of dedicated military branch for unmanned systems

Ukraine's president Zelensky initiates creation of dedicated military branch for unmanned systems

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky
Images source: © Getty Images | Paul Morigi

6:33 PM EST, February 6, 2024, updated: 4:06 AM EST, March 7, 2024

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"I have just signed a decree that initiates the creation of a distinct branch of our defense force: the Unmanned Systems Forces. This isn't a venture for the future. It is something that should deliver very concrete results in the near future," declared President Zelensky in his daily activity summary.

He also made it clear that this year should be decisive on the warfront with Russia.

Drones, or unmanned aerial systems, have proven their effectiveness in land, air, and sea battles, Zelensky said. "Ukraine has significantly altered the security situation in the Black Sea, thanks to drones. Fending off ground attacks is largely the result of drone operations. The large-scale destruction of occupiers and their equipment is also credited to drones," he explained.

The Ukrainian President then outlined the steps involved in establishing the Unmanned Systems Forces. These include the creation of specialized personnel to work with drones, effective training programs, systematization of experiences, ramping up production, and attracting the best ideas and experts in the field.

"In the near future, the establishment of the Unmanned Systems Forces will be discussed at a meeting of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council," Zelensky informed.