Russia is effectively copying the Ukrainian model of unmanned systems forces, said Commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi. It also attempts to scale its drone army several times, he told Ukrainska Pravda.
He stated that Russia is actively adopting Ukrainian battlefield drone warfare experience, expanding the number of UAV operators, and launching mass production of cheap strike systems.
Russia replicating Ukraine's drone-force model
Commander Robert Brovdi said Russians are essentially replicating Ukraine’s organizational model for unmanned forces.
“They have some of their own experience, but in most cases, they try to steal or replicate ours and take the already proven path,” he said.
He added that Russia is building a centralized unmanned systems structure that will integrate most UAV units within its army.
168,000 UAV operators: Kremlin building large-scale drone force
Robert Brovdi reported that in just four months, the number of Russian personnel involved in UAV operations increased by 28,000.
He stated that Russia plans to expand its unmanned component to about 168,000 personnel by the end of the year.
Brovdi also estimates that Russia’s drone forces could reach around 200,000 personnel within a year.
“Molniya” drones in dozens
The commander highlighted a sharp increase in the use of Russian “Molniya” strike drones, noting that an average Ukrainian brigade intercepts up to 60 of them per day.
He said Russia has centralized production, reduced costs, and launched large state procurement programs, enabling mass deployment of inexpensive strike systems.
Russia's Starlink alternative may be ready within year
Robert Brovdi also stated that Russia is gradually addressing challenges in satellite communications for UAVs following restrictions on Starlink access.
He said Russia is already testing its own satellite systems and signal-enhancement solutions, though they remain imperfect and easily detectable.
He warned that within a year, Russia could establish an alternative communication network along the entire frontline.
