Ukraine launches 3,500 drones in deep strikes on Russia
kraine’s Armed Forces have conducted more than 220 deep-strike drone operations inside Russian territory over the past six months, deploying more than 3,500 drones, according to Vadym Sukharevskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. In an interview with Radio Liberty published on Feb. 3, Sukharevskyi detailed the increasing role of Ukraine’s drone operations in the war.
“If we talk about combat applications, summing up 2024, the approximate figures are as follows: our units have carried out more than 220 deep-strike operations inside Russian territory. More than 3,500 drones have been launched so far,” he said.
Sukharevskyi emphasized that Ukraine’s bomber drones and the units operating them have demonstrated "extraordinary effectiveness."
Ukrainian drones strike Russian air defense systems
The commander highlighted that in just the past two months, Nemesis, one of Ukraine’s elite drone units, has destroyed more than 15 Russian Buk-M3 and Tor air defense systems.
He also revealed that two weeks ago, a Ukrainian drone successfully struck a Russian Buk-M3 system located 57 kilometers (35 miles) from the front line.
According to Sukharevskyi, Ukraine is systematically integrating various software platforms, refining drone tactics, and developing the use of ground-based robotic systems in combat.
“We have already started synchronizing and developing operational components for naval defense and attack operations. I believe we will soon move to the practical phase of this effort. It’s a long road ahead,” he added.
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces: A new military branch
The Unmanned Systems Forces were established on Feb. 6, 2024, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyysigned a decree creating a dedicated drone branch within Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
On June 10, Ukraine’s General Staff announced that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had appointed Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi as the first commander of the newly formed drone forces.
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