A new type of army will appear in Ukraine. Zelensky issued instructions to the Cabinet of Ministers and the General Staff

President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed the Cabinet of Ministers and the General Staff to establish the Unmanned Systems Forces as a distinct entity within the framework of the Armed Forces. The rationale behind creating the Unmanned Systems Forces lies in bolstering the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Zelensky orders creation of separate military force for drones

Decree No. 51/2024, as announced, tasks the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, in collaboration with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to address the establishment of unmanned forces of unmanned systems as a separate force within the structure of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The decree mandates the submission of pertinent proposals for consideration by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, based on the outcomes of this endeavor.

In a subsequent video message, President Zelensky emphasized that the establishment of this new branch of the military should yield tangible outcomes in the immediate future.

"Drones – unmanned systems – have proven their effectiveness in battles on land, in the air, and at sea. Ukraine has significantly altered the security landscape in the Black Sea thanks to drones. Repelling ground attacks owes much to drones. Drones have also played a significant role in inflicting damage on the occupiers and their equipment"
the president affirmed.

Zelensky delineated the specific objectives for the creation of the new forces:

• Establishment of specialized full-time positions for drone operations.
• Formation of specialized units and their rigorous training.
• Organization of experience systematization and continual expansion of production, alongside the enlistment of top talents and specialists in the field.
• The president stressed that this undertaking is a collective responsibility involving the military, the Ministry of National Defense, and the government at large.

It is noteworthy that the Central Administration of Unmanned Systems already exists in Ukraine, tasked with overseeing the utilization of unmanned and robotic air, land, and sea systems. Its responsibilities encompass monitoring the readiness of military units within the Armed Forces employing unmanned systems for their designated tasks, strategic planning, and coordination of operations.

President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously announced in December of the preceding year Ukraine's intention to manufacture and supply one million drones to its defenders in 2024. Subsequently, clarification revealed that this commitment pertained specifically to FPV drones.