In February 2026, the Ukrainian military reported that its drone units successfully targeted over 105,000 positions of Russian forces, with a quarter of these operations attributed to the newly developed drone units. This information was shared by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, through social media.
General Syrskyi highlighted that Ukrainian defense forces maintain an advantage in the use of First-Person View (FPV) drones, despite Russian capabilities reportedly increasing to produce over 19,000 FPV drones daily. He noted that Ukrainian drones have successfully hit approximately 4,200 enemy pilot positions within a month.
To counteract the threat posed by enemy drones, the Ukrainian military has established specialized units focused on intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These units are tasked with neutralizing FPV drones, quadcopters, and other enemy UAVs, while also enhancing logistical support for Ukrainian troops. Various anti-drone technologies, including drone guns and electronic warfare systems, are being employed in these efforts.
During a recent meeting on the development of drone systems, General Syrskyi received updates indicating that Russian forces are accelerating the formation of their own drone units. This development is seen as an attempt to influence the dynamics of combat, particularly in southern regions where Russian forces have been losing ground. By April 1, 2026, Russia plans to increase its drone unit personnel to 101,000.
General Syrskyi remarked, “The war has entered a new phase. The expansion of ‘kill zones’ is a direct result of enhanced strike drone capabilities. To succeed in this technology-driven conflict, Ukraine must accelerate the development and procurement of effective drone systems for battlefield use.”
During the meeting, General Syrskyi also discussed advancements in electronic warfare, pilot training for UAVs, and the development of intercepting drones. He set new objectives for the enhancement of drone unit structures and instructed the resolution of existing challenges to ensure that units and training centers are adequately supported.
The Ukrainian military has reported significant drone operations against Russian forces, highlighting advancements in drone technology and tactics. With the establishment of specialized units to counter enemy UAVs, Ukraine is adapting to the evolving landscape of warfare, emphasizing the need for continued development in drone capabilities.