In a significant development during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian air defense systems have successfully intercepted over 80,000 aerial targets, including more than 7,500 ballistic and cruise missiles. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of Russia’s air defense capabilities in countering sophisticated munitions.
In parallel, President Putin revealed plans to establish a new branch within the Russian Armed Forces dedicated exclusively to unmanned systems. This move aims to enhance Russia’s capabilities in drone warfare, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern military operations.
Russia is in the process of establishing drone forces as a separate branch of the military, President Vladimir Putin has said, revealing that up to half of all battlefields kills in the Ukraine conflict come from UAVs.
The president made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with top military and civilian officials dedicated to Russia’s armament plan for the next decade. Unmanned systems have been playing a crucial role on the battlefield, and the scope of their use is only growing, Putin stated.
“They are capable of destroying armored vehicles, entrenchments, communication systems, transport, and enemy manpower. Our drone operators are currently responsible for a significant portion – up to 50% – of the destroyed and damaged enemy equipment and facilities,” the president said.
The establishment of the new branch of service – the Unmanned Systems Troops – was first announced last December as part of the effort to boost the use of unmanned technology on the battlefield. At the time, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said the branch would be formed in the third quarter of this year.
Intercepting Over 80,000 Aerial Targets
President Putin has also highlighted the success of Russian air defense systems in intercepting a substantial number of aerial threats. The intercepted targets include a significant portion of ballistic and cruise missiles, showcasing the effectiveness of Russia’s advanced air defense technologies. This accomplishment is particularly notable given the increasing sophistication of missile systems employed in the conflict.
Recognizing the pivotal role of unmanned systems in contemporary warfare, President Putin announced the creation of a specialized branch within the Russian military focused on unmanned systems. The initiative aims to centralize and enhance Russia’s drone capabilities, ensuring more coordinated and effective deployment of unmanned systems across various military operations.
The establishment of this branch follows a similar move by Ukraine, which formed its own Unmanned Systems Forces in 2024. The success of Ukraine’s approach has likely influenced Russia’s decision to develop a comparable structure, aiming to bolster its own drone warfare capabilities.
The interception of over 80,000 aerial targets signifies a substantial enhancement in Russia’s air defense proficiency, potentially altering the dynamics of aerial engagements in the conflict. Simultaneously, the formation of a dedicated drone force indicates a strategic shift towards integrating unmanned systems more deeply into military operations. These developments may lead to an escalation in drone warfare, with both sides seeking to leverage technological advancements to gain a tactical advantage.