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The Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have begun deploying drones with fiber-optic control channels on the battlefield. This announcement was made by Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi on Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform.
Syrskyi stated that he held a monthly meeting with commanders of unmanned systems and electronic warfare units via videoconference. The meeting reviewed December’s operational results.
According to Syrskyi, the use of unmanned systems on the battlefield continues to increase. The enemy has expanded its deployment of strike drones with fiber-optic control channels, posing a significant threat to combat vehicles during movement.
“However, we are also advancing. We have started using FPV drones with fiber-optic control, enhancing our ability to target and destroy Russian military equipment and personnel,” Syrskyi noted.
He highlighted the improved efficiency and durability of Ukrainian unmanned systems, naming the Unmanned Systems Regiment led by Major Robert Brovdi as the undisputed leader in this domain.
In December, Ukrainian unmanned systems operators reportedly destroyed over 54,000 enemy targets. Nearly half of these results—49%—were achieved using kamikaze drones, Syrskyi emphasized.
The highest-performing units included the 46th Airmobile Brigade, the 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the 28th Mechanized Brigade, the 35th Marine Brigade, and the 3rd Assault Brigade. Syrskyi expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their resilience and effectiveness in defeating the enemy.
Additionally, Syrskyi received reports from Colonel Vadym Sukharievskyi, Commander of the Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, as well as representatives of various General Staff departments, military branches, and other Defense Forces units. These reports covered operational outcomes and the development of unmanned systems capabilities, including aerial and ground-based drones and unmanned naval vessels.
Discussions also touched on cutting-edge developments in unmanned systems and electronic warfare, their battlefield applications, and countermeasures against advanced enemy technology.
Syrskyi devoted special attention to strengthening the capabilities of the unmanned systems unit within the 155th Mechanized Brigade and addressing existing challenges. He issued all necessary directives to resolve these issues.
“We are increasing the number of brigades with enhanced unmanned components. Final work on the concept and typical structure of a dedicated unmanned systems brigade is nearing completion,” Syrskyi emphasized.
He outlined objectives for January and commended top-performing personnel from unmanned systems units.
“We continue to work together. The higher the efficiency of our high-tech weaponry, the better we can protect the lives of Ukrainian service members,” Syrskyi concluded.
As reported earlier, Syrskyi stated that Russia’s army is suffering record losses following the efforts of units conducting defensive operations in Donetsk Oblast.
