Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, reported that Russia has increased the number of military personnel engaged in drone operations by 28,000 over the past four months. He indicated that this figure could rise to 168,000 by the end of the year.
As of April 1, 2023, approximately 100,000 personnel were involved in drone-related tasks within the Russian military. This number grew to 114,000 by early May, according to Brovdi’s statements in an interview with Ukrainian media.
Brovdi noted, “By the New Year of 2025/26, they had 86,000 personnel. Thus, they have increased by 28,000 in just four months. While some of these figures may be exaggerated or fabricated, they are indeed increasing at this calculated pace. By the end of the year, they plan to expand their drone component to a total of 168,000 personnel.”
He further explained that, based on annual projections, it would be reasonable to expect up to 200,000 personnel in drone units. However, given the current growth rate, Brovdi believes that Russia will reach the 168,000 mark.
Brovdi also mentioned that Russia appears to be emulating the operational model of Ukraine’s drone forces.
Robert Brovdi has indicated a significant increase in Russian military personnel involved in drone operations, suggesting a potential total of 168,000 by year-end. This growth reflects a strategic shift as Russia seeks to adopt tactics similar to those of Ukraine's drone forces.