Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially designated June 11 as Drone Forces Day for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a move aimed at recognizing the evolving role of drone technology in military operations. This decision was formalized through presidential decree No. 485/2026, published on June 10, 2026.
The decree highlights the significance of drone forces in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom and territorial integrity, emphasizing the establishment of new military traditions. The recognition of this day is intended to honor the contributions of drone units within the Ukrainian military framework.
In a statement regarding the decree, the commander of the Drone Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, noted that the formation of this military branch occurred exactly one year prior. He remarked, “The unit comprises 12 combat units and has successfully targeted 350,000 enemy objectives, marking a significant milestone for the Drone Forces Day.”
On February 6, 2024, President Zelensky signed decree No. 51/2024, which called for the enhancement of defense capabilities, leading to the establishment of a dedicated drone forces branch within the Ukrainian military. The initiative received governmental support on May 7 of the same year.
Subsequently, on June 10, 2024, Vadym Sukharevskyi was appointed as the commander of the Drone Forces, having previously served as the deputy chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In August of that year, the Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the establishment of the Drone Forces within the military, and by September, the Verkhovna Rada passed the corresponding legislation.
In June 2025, Sukharevskyi was relieved from his position, and Robert Brovdi was appointed as the new commander of the Drone Forces.
The establishment of Drone Forces Day in Ukraine marks a significant recognition of the military's reliance on drone technology. This initiative reflects the ongoing evolution of military strategy in response to contemporary challenges.