The Ukrainian military has appointed two distinguished officers as deputy commanders of its Drone Forces, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness amid ongoing conflicts.
Oleg Huyt, known by his call sign “Khasan,” has been named as one of the deputy commanders. A colonel and a Hero of Ukraine, Huyt leads the 427th Separate Brigade of Drone Systems, known as “Rarog.”
Another deputy commander position will be temporarily filled by Dmitro Oleksiuk, who goes by the call sign “Zemlyak.” Also a colonel and a Hero of Ukraine, Oleksiuk commands the “Phoenix” unit within the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, specializing in drone aviation systems.
Both officers have extensive combat experience, having served since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Their units have received multiple commendations for successfully targeting Russian military equipment, personnel, and infrastructure.
The appointments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the command capabilities of the Drone Forces, making them more effective in their operations. The Drone Forces stated, “We continue to enhance our capabilities.”
Established on February 6, 2024, the Ukrainian Drone Forces operate as a distinct branch of the military, focusing on aerial reconnaissance, targeting enemy assets, and coordinating artillery fire. Recently, units from the Drone Forces achieved a significant victory by destroying four enemy missile systems in a single night, creating a notable display of wreckage.
Additionally, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has also reported successful operations. On March 29, their drones attacked the “Ust-Luga” oil terminal in the Leningrad region of Russia for the second time in a week, causing fires and disruptions in infrastructure.
The Ukrainian military has appointed two Heroes of Ukraine to key leadership roles within its Drone Forces, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness. These appointments come as the forces continue to achieve significant successes against enemy targets.